Mexican casseroles are hot dishes containing Mexican-style ingredients and flavorings, often layered or mixed together and cooked in the oven. They are convenient and can be made ahead of time, with variations including seasoned meat, beans, cheese, vegetables, and toppings such as lettuce, sour cream, or salsa. Seasonings include chili powder, cumin, or garlic, and cheese is a common ingredient. Tortillas or rice may be used between layers, and crushed tortilla chips are a common topping.
A Mexican casserole does not refer to a specific recipe per se, but is an umbrella term describing a type of hot dish containing Mexican-style ingredients and flavorings. The ingredients are usually layered or mixed together and cooked in the oven. A typical Mexican casserole may contain a combination of seasoned meat, black beans, or refried beans and cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey jack. Rice, tortillas, or both are often used between layers. They often contain vegetables such as corn and may be topped with lettuce, sour cream or salsa. The variations on the Mexican casserole are virtually endless.
Convenience is the main reason to make a Mexican casserole. Many Mexican recipes can take a long time to prepare, as the tortilla is rolled, the salsa is prepared, and the toppings are chopped and served. A Mexican casserole represents an entire meal on one plate. For cooks who are too busy during the day to prepare for dinner, a Mexican casserole can be made the night before or in the morning and refrigerated during the day until it’s time to put it in the oven. Leftovers can easily be stored in the refrigerator until the next day with no reduction in quality.
Mexican casseroles tend to be seasoned with chili powder, cumin, or garlic. Some add jalapenos or red chili powder for spicy heat. Cooks in a hurry can use packaged taco seasoning. These toppings are usually mixed with beef, pork, or chicken and may or may not contain green or red enchilada sauce. In vegetarian Mexican pinto or refried black bean casseroles, the seasonings may be mixed with the beans before adding to the Mexican casserole mixture.
Cheese is usually featured in Mexican casseroles. Cheddar and Monterey jack cheese are perhaps the most commonly used, with sharp cheddar giving a more intense flavor than mild cheddar. Pepper Jack can be a spicy substitute for Monterey Jack cheese. Some recipes call for cream cheese mixed into the dish.
Many Mexican casserole recipes call for ingredients to be layered, at the lasagna, by alternating layers of corn or flour tortillas, beans, ground beef, and cheese. Sometimes enchilada sauce can be added for an extra kick of flavor. These types of Mexican casserole tend to be topped with cheese. Often fresh ingredients, such as sliced black olives, lettuce or salsa, are placed on top of the layer of melted cheese. Crushed tortilla chips are one of the most common toppings, as they give a crunchy texture. They don’t stay crispy for long and can soften if the casserole isn’t eaten immediately.
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