Name: Cheesy Crunchy Mexican Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 16 oz can refried beans; 3 cups shredded cheese (colby jack, cheddar, pick your favorite); 1-2 cups cooked chunked or shredded chicken (substitute hamburger or make without meat); 6 flour tortilla (approximate number); 2 10.5 oz cans red enchilada sauce; 1½ cups cooked white rice (substitute brown rice or quinoa); 1 bag Doritos or corn chips, any flavor; sliced black olives; chopped red peppers; sour cream; salsa

My family LOVES Taco Bell, so my mission is to recreate similar flavors at home. Cheesy Crunchy Mexican Casserole came from their love of nachos, crunch wraps, and Mexican pizza. It is a simple recipe, full of yummy flavors, and no drive thru is required.

First the Filling

Cheesy crunchy Mexican casserole is layered similar to lasagna. To make the filling add refried beans, chicken, rice, and enchilada sauce to a bowl and mix together well. The original creation of this casserole came from a need to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. Use any chicken you like or substitute hamburger. If you are in a rush or not in the mood for meat, just use beans, rice and enchilada sauce. The choice is yours.

Time to Start Layering

Take out your favorite 9×13 baking dish. Cover the bottom with a thin layer of enchilada sauce. The next layer is flour tortillas. Cover the sauce with strips of tortilla in any pattern or shape you like. Tortillas are round. Baking dishes are rectangular. Just do your own thing and cover the space. Spread half of the filling over the tortillas as the next layer. Cover with shredded cheese and then crushed chips. Now repeat the process starting with tortillas.

The Final Layers

The final layers of Cheesy Crunchy Mexican casserole consist of cheese and sauce. Cover the chips with cheese. Next, pour the remaining sauce over the top of the cheese. Add more cheese. Cheesy is in the title my friends! Finally, sprinkle diced red peppers and olives on the top if you choose. As you can see from the picture, only half of my family likes black olives. If your family is a fan of spicy, jalapeno peppers would be another option to add on the top.

cheesy crunchy mexican casserole before baking

Pop It in the Oven

Time to pop our casserole into the oven and finish things off. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. The casserole is done when all the cheese is nice and melty.

Cheesy Crunchy Mexican casserole can be served with salsa and sour cream on the side if desired. It has all the flavor of nachos, tacos, and enchiladas all rolled into one casserole. When serving, cut into squares and serve like lasagna. Happy Cooking!