For years, Mexican food was typically eaten only at restaurants or at a drive-through handing out some paper-wrapped Mexican food facsimile. But in the past decade, more and more cooks have learned from neighbors, friends and cooking shows how to make their favorite south-of-the-border meals from scratch in their own kitchens.
One drawback to home-cooked Mexican meals is the time required to wrap, stuff, sauce and prepare toppings for many dishes. When time is short and you just can't rest until that yen for Mexican is fulfilled, whip up one of these hearty casseroles. To add an extra touch of Mexican tradition, serve with classic or virgin margaritas and a fresh lime wedge.
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How to make Mexican enchilada casserole
An all-time favorite among kids and adults are enchiladas. Oozing with cheese and layered with a piquant sauce seasoned to perfection with pickled jalapeno peppers, this casserole gives you the flavors you crave without all the tortilla rolling. Using a juicy, store-bought rotisserie chicken saves hours of time. Don't skimp on the cilantro garnish — it makes a lovely presentation and adds authenticity to the dish. Get the recipe here.
An all-time favorite among kids and adults are enchiladas. Oozing with cheese and layered with a piquant sauce seasoned to perfection with pickled jalapeno peppers, this casserole gives you the flavors you crave without all the tortilla rolling. Using a juicy, store-bought rotisserie chicken saves hours of time. Don't skimp on the cilantro garnish — it makes a lovely presentation and adds authenticity to the dish. Get the recipe here.
How to make taco casserole
If your family balks at the idea of enchiladas or other Mexican entrees being served on Taco Tuesday, this is the ideal substitute and so much easier than setting up a taco bar. Everything that makes tacos delicious, plus a few healthy additions like corn and red bell pepper, is baked right into the casserole. Crushed corn chips on top provide that essential crunch. Garnish each serving with traditional toppings of sour cream, shredded lettuce and salsa, and you have a quick and easy blue-ribbon meal. Get the recipe here.
If your family balks at the idea of enchiladas or other Mexican entrees being served on Taco Tuesday, this is the ideal substitute and so much easier than setting up a taco bar. Everything that makes tacos delicious, plus a few healthy additions like corn and red bell pepper, is baked right into the casserole. Crushed corn chips on top provide that essential crunch. Garnish each serving with traditional toppings of sour cream, shredded lettuce and salsa, and you have a quick and easy blue-ribbon meal. Get the recipe here.
How to make Mexican rice casserole
This one-pan skillet casserole couldn't be easier or more delicious. An added plus is that you don't have to heat up your kitchen using your oven — it's all prepared on the stovetop. Chili powder and cumin add depth of flavor to the meat, rice and vegetables, while stirring in shredded cheddar cheese right before serving provides a fresh-made touch to the dish. Get the recipe here.
This one-pan skillet casserole couldn't be easier or more delicious. An added plus is that you don't have to heat up your kitchen using your oven — it's all prepared on the stovetop. Chili powder and cumin add depth of flavor to the meat, rice and vegetables, while stirring in shredded cheddar cheese right before serving provides a fresh-made touch to the dish. Get the recipe here.
How to make Mexican street corn casserole
Mexican street corn, or elotes, is addictive, but it takes a lot of time to build the grilling fire, roast the ears and slather them with creamy topping and grated cheese. Transforming that goodness into a casserole is easy and sure to please everyone — even vegetarians. Bell peppers, red onions and garlic raise the flavor profile; the cheese topping and fresh cilantro nicely round out the authentic taste that makes street corn so special. Get the recipe here.
Mexican street corn, or elotes, is addictive, but it takes a lot of time to build the grilling fire, roast the ears and slather them with creamy topping and grated cheese. Transforming that goodness into a casserole is easy and sure to please everyone — even vegetarians. Bell peppers, red onions and garlic raise the flavor profile; the cheese topping and fresh cilantro nicely round out the authentic taste that makes street corn so special. Get the recipe here.
How to make Mexican lasagna casserole
Lasagna is no longer just an Italian classic — the Mexican version is just as memorable and tasty. Noodles are swapped out for tortillas, salsa con queso replaces ricotta, and red sauce, corn, onion and red bell pepper add a healthy texture to the ground beef. One common denominator is mozzarella cheese — both casseroles are topped with ample amounts of the best melting cheese on the market. Get the recipe here.
Lasagna is no longer just an Italian classic — the Mexican version is just as memorable and tasty. Noodles are swapped out for tortillas, salsa con queso replaces ricotta, and red sauce, corn, onion and red bell pepper add a healthy texture to the ground beef. One common denominator is mozzarella cheese — both casseroles are topped with ample amounts of the best melting cheese on the market. Get the recipe here.
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