Name: Vintage Mexican Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1.5 – 2 lbs ground chuck; 1 onion (chopped); 4 tbsp taco seasoning; 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilis; 4 oz shredded colby jack cheese; 8.5 oz box corn muffin mix; 2 eggs; 15.25 oz can kernel corn (drained); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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What is better than finding a treasure trove of vintage recipes from the days of our past? To me, there is not much better than that. Recently, a friend entrusted me with their mother’s handmade recipe book. In celebration of these wonderful women and my friend’s mother, Nana Mickie, I present to you the first recipe! This Vintage Mexican Casserole is incredibly delicious and simple to make. The flavor of this casserole truly lives up to the hype of the imagery from the video. While Nana Mickie originally made it with chicken, I chose to use ground beef, and boy did it turn out incredible! This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weeknight meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and cheeses creates a rich taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, this casserole is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute ground beef with chicken or turkey depending on your preference.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.
Family-Friendly: Kids love cheesy casseroles, making this a win for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

To create this Vintage Mexican Casserole, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help ensure your cooking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Cast iron skillet or large pan
Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Baking dish

Importance of Each Tool

Cast iron skillet: Perfect for browning meat evenly while adding great flavor.
Large mixing bowl: Allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spilling.
Baking dish: Ideal for layering and baking the casserole to perfection.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 – 2 lbs ground chuck
1 onion (chopped)
4 tbsp taco seasoning
1 heaping tbsp minced garlic
10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilis
10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with lime juice and cilantro
4 oz shredded colby jack cheese
8.5 oz box corn muffin mix
2 eggs
¼ cup sour cream
15.25 oz can kernel corn (drained)
4 oz can mild diced green chilis
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

How to Make Vintage Mexican Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a cast iron skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add in the ground chuck, chopped onion, and taco seasoning.
Use a meat masher or spoon to break up the meat as it cooks until browned.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional few minutes.
Incorporate both cans of Rotel, stirring everything together.
Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until half of the Rotel juice has evaporated.
Finally, add in the colby jack cheese and stir until melted.

Step 2: Combine Corn Muffin Mixture

In a large mixing bowl or measuring cup, combine the corn muffin mix, eggs, and sour cream.
Mix until well combined.
Gently fold in the drained kernel corn until everything is incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the ground beef mixture evenly into a baking dish.
Dollop the mild diced green chilis over top of the beef mixture.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chilis.
Use dollops of corn muffin mixture to cover the top completely.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 55 minutes to an hour until golden brown on top and cornbread has set.
Allow cooling for about 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your Vintage Mexican Casserole with family or friends!

How to Serve Vintage Mexican Casserole

Serving Vintage Mexican Casserole is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. This dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also brings joy to gatherings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture and balances the spice.
Chopped Cilantro – Fresh cilantro brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
Sliced Avocado – Creamy avocado slices provide a rich and buttery flavor.

Pair with Delicious Sides

Spanish Rice – A flavorful rice dish complements the casserole’s richness.
Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans are perfect for scooping and add protein.
Tortilla Chips – Crispy chips offer a crunchy contrast and are great for dipping.

Serve with Beverages

Margaritas – A classic pairing, margaritas bring a festive touch to your meal.
Hibiscus Tea – Refreshing hibiscus tea gives a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the casserole well.

How to Perfect Vintage Mexican Casserole

Perfecting your Vintage Mexican Casserole takes just a few simple tips to ensure every bite is delicious. Follow these guidelines for best results.

Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh produce enhances flavors significantly, making your casserole even tastier.
Brown the Meat Well – Ensure the ground beef is fully browned; this adds depth and richness to the dish.
Don’t Skip the Cheese – Using both colby jack and cheddar cheese provides a delightful gooey texture and flavor.
Let it Rest – Allow the casserole to cool for 15 minutes before serving; this helps it set up nicely.

Best Side Dishes for Vintage Mexican Casserole

Pairing side dishes with your Vintage Mexican Casserole can create an impressive meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

Mexican Street Corn Salad – A refreshing salad made with corn, lime, cheese, and spices perfect for summer dinners.
Guacamole – Creamy avocado dip seasoned with lime, garlic, and cilantro enhances any meal.
Pico de Gallo – A fresh salsa made of diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro; great for adding crunch.
Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection add healthy balance and vibrant colors to your plate.
Black Bean Salad – Hearty black beans tossed with bell peppers, onion, and vinaigrette provide protein-rich goodness.
Corn Tortillas – Soft or crispy tortillas serve as excellent wraps or scoops alongside the casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vintage Mexican Casserole, avoid these common mistakes for the best results.

Skipping the sauté step: Don’t rush through browning the meat and onions. This adds essential flavor to your casserole.
Using the wrong cheese: Avoid substituting with low-quality cheese. Stick to Colby Jack and Cheddar for optimal creaminess and taste.
Not draining canned ingredients: Ensure you drain the corn and green chilis properly. Excess liquid can make the casserole soggy.
Ignoring baking time: Don’t remove the casserole too early. It should be golden brown on top and fully set before serving.
Forgetting to let it cool: Allowing it to cool for 15 minutes helps it set better, making serving easier.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Vintage Mexican Casserole in an airtight container.
It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vintage Mexican Casserole

Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
It stays good for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Vintage Mexican Casserole

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until warm.
Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Vintage Mexican Casserole.

Can I use chicken instead of beef for Vintage Mexican Casserole?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or shredded cooked chicken for a lighter option.

What toppings go well with Vintage Mexican Casserole?

Consider toppings like avocado, cilantro, sour cream, or jalapeños for added flavor.

How can I customize my Vintage Mexican Casserole?

Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

Is Vintage Mexican Casserole suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep as it stores well and reheats easily throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Vintage Mexican Casserole is a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and easy preparation. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients like vegetables or different cheeses to suit your taste!