Ranch Style Beans With Ground Beef and Rotel and Nacho Cheese

So, six years ago when we lived in the fun little state of Arkansas, I ate something fabulous at a church potluck–a Mexican-type casserole. This Mexican Casserole has become one of my favorite meals. Hawaiian Haystacks and Chicken Chili Casserole are the other two meals I just can't live without.

I have never forgotten it.  A lot of things I ate in Arkansas had Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies in them, which was a foreign ingredient to me at the time. I couldn't figure out what was giving everything a little heat and awesome flavor. My mama never used that there Rotel stuff, but my kids' mama sure does. That stuff is delicious!

Anywho, I did some investigating and found out who had made the casserole of which I speak. It was a sweet, little older woman, and she was more than happy to tell me what was in it.

Ground Beef, Pinto Beans, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Rotel, Cheese and Crunched up Chips. Wow, easy enough!

We love Mexican Food!

• Zucchini Taco Skillet
• Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas
• Texas Caviar
• Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
• Sheet Pan Smothered Burrito
• Restaurant Style Salsa

how to make mexican casserole

• Preheat oven to 350.
• In a large frying pan, brown ground meat with finely shredded carrot until meat is completely cooked. Salt and pepper while browning meat.
• Add Rotel, cream of chicken, drained beans, smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder, mix well and heat through.
• Pour meat mixture into a 9×13 pan and top with shredded cheese.
• Bake at 350 degrees in the oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is completely melted.
• Sprinkle crushed chips over melted cheese.
• Return to oven for 15-20 minutes or until casserole is bubbling.
• Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro (optional).

I made it that way a few times, but you know how I just can't leave anything alone.I like to add a finely shredded carrot, for a little more veggie-ness, a little smoked paprika and cumin for a little more flare. I have found that my family likes it just as well with ground chicken or turkey.

I try not to use canned cream soups, but this is one of a few recipes that I just can't give up, so I cave and use it.

When I'm really ambitious or have the right ingredients in my fridge, I whip up my own version of cream soup to add. Although, I keep a secret stash of canned creamed soups in the pantry for days where that is just not going to happen.

My family loves this casserole and always gobbles it up. It's definitely a keeper.  We serve it with Spanish Rice, Salad, and Corn.

Tips for making Mexican Casserole

• If you use ground beef instead of chicken or turkey, I suggest using cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
• Use Mild Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies, if your kids don't like a little heat.
• Colby Jack cheese also works great with this recipe.

• Doritos Nacho Cheese flavored tortilla chips taste awesome!

Mexican Casserole {Perfect Weeknight Meal}

Recipe type: Weeknight Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

• 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
• 1 cup carrots, finely grated
• 1 can Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 15 oz can pinto beans, drained
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp ground cumin
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mild or sharp cheddar
• 2 cups crushed corn chips
• Cilantro for garnish (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In a large frying pan, brown ground meat with finely shredded carrot until meat is completely cooked. Salt and pepper while browning meat.
3. Add Rotel, cream of chicken, drained beans, smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder. Mix well and heat through.
4. Pour meat mixture into a 9x13 pan and top with shredded cheese.
5. Bake at 350 degrees in the oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is completely melted.
6. Sprinkle crushed chips over melted cheese.
7. Return to oven for 15-20 minutes or until casserole is bubbling.
8. Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
9. Garnish with chopped cilantro (optional).

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More weeknight dinner ideas

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Source: https://reallifedinner.com/mexican-casserole-perfect-weeknight-meal/

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