Tex-Mex Casserole
Make tex mex casserole with simple ingredients, clear steps, and helpful tips. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or cozy meal planning.
Total time
55 min
Servings
8
Calories
492.9
Category
Dinner & Mains
This Tex-Mex Casserole is a hearty, one-dish meal that combines the bold flavors of the Southwestern U.S. in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it layers crunchy tortilla chips with seasoned chicken, beans, corn, and a blend of melted cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection. Serve with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and sour cream for a customizable feast that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Makes 8 servings
- 1 1/2 tortilla chips
- 1 pinto beans
- 1 red kidney beans
- 1 corn
- 1 tomato sauce
- 1 salsa
- 1 onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 garlic
- 1 garlic
- 12 monterey jack cheese
- cheddar cheese
- chopped tomato
- lettuce
- sour cream
- salsa
Method
Preheat oven to 350.
Grease a 13x9 baking dish Scatter crushed chips on the bottom of the prepared pan Combine the chicken, beans, corn, tomato sauce, salsa, onion, pepper, garlic, salt/pepper in a bowl.
Place half the mixture on the crushed chips Cover with half the cheese Cover with the remaining chicken mixture and sprinkle with the remaining cheese Bake for 30-40 minutes.
Let stand for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Cut into 8 servings.
Recipe can be successfully reduced in half and baked in an 8x8 baking dish.
Cook's notes
- For extra crunch, use thick, restaurant-style tortilla chips and crush them coarsely.
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken to save time—just shred it before mixing.
- If you prefer a milder dish, use a mild salsa and reduce or omit the chili powder.
- This casserole freezes well; assemble it unbaked, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Easy swaps
- Instead of pinto beans, use black beans or refried beans
- Instead of monterey jack cheese, use pepper jack for extra heat or mozzarella for a milder flavor
- Instead of sour cream, use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative
- Instead of chicken, use ground beef, turkey, or a plant-based crumble
Frequently asked
Can I make this Tex-Mex Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free tortilla chips and ensure your salsa and tomato sauce are certified gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Diced zucchini, bell peppers, or black olives make great additions. Sauté them briefly before mixing to remove excess moisture.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?
Use sturdy tortilla chips and avoid overloading with wet ingredients. Let the casserole stand for 3-5 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to medium kick depending on the salsa and cheese you choose. For less heat, use mild salsa and Monterey Jack; for more, add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
