Red Sauce Mexican Casserole

Red Sauce Mexican Casserole is a delicious, comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

It’s made with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, onions, garlic and various seasonings all baked in an oven-safe dish until golden brown.

This classic casserole can be served as is or topped with sour cream and jalapenos for an extra kick of heat. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to serve your family on the weekends, this easy Mexican Casserole has got you covered!

Just perfect for dinner any night of the week!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why I love Red Sauce Mexican Casserole:

This Red Sauce Mexican Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that can easily be made in less than an hour. It’s packed with bold flavors, plenty of protein and veggies, and is sure to please the whole family! Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make which makes it a great weeknight dinner option. What more could you ask?

What is red sauce made of?

Red sauce is usually made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. Other ingredients like peppers, herbs, and other vegetables can be added to the sauce to create different flavors. Some red sauces are creamy while others are more chunky. The variations are endless!

Is red sauce the same as ketchup?

Red sauce and ketchup are not the same. Ketchup is a condiment made from tomatoes, vinegar, spices, and sweeteners. Red sauce is typically made with fresh or canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various seasonings. However, some store-bought red sauces may contain ketchup as an ingredient.

How to serve Red Sauce Mexican Casserole?

Red Sauce Mexican Casserole can be served with a side of rice, quesadillas, or tortilla chips. Top the casserole with sour cream and fresh jalapenos for an extra punch of flavor. Cilantro is also a great garnish to add some color to the dish.

Red Sauce Mexican Casserole Cooking Tips:

• Be sure to drain the ground beef after cooking it, as excess fat can overwhelm the dish and make it greasy.
• You can use pre-shredded cheese for convenience, but freshly shredded cheese will melt better into the casserole.
• If you’re looking for extra heat, add a diced jalapenos.

Variations of Red Sauce Mexican Casserole:

• Replace the beef with chicken or pork.
• Add black or refried beans for an extra boost of flavor and protein.
• Mix in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or other vegetables you have on hand.
• Top with crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese instead of cheddar.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef 80/20
• Onion
• Hot taco seasoning mix
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Refried beans
• Prepared Mexican rice
• Fire-roasted corn
• Flour tortillas
• Thick chunky pico de gallo
• Sour cream as garnish
• Jalapenos as a garnish
• Cilantro as garnish

How to make Red Sauce Mexican Casserole:

Step 1. Spray your casserole dish with cooking spray.

Step 2. In a large saute pan brown ground beef, taco seasonings, and onion.

Step 3. Drain the beef and set it to the side.

Step 4. Lay the 2 half tortillas in the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 5. Add 1/3 of the beans on top of the tortillas and spread evenly.

Step 6. Now add 1/3 of the meat and add some cheese, spread evenly.

Step 7. Add the second halves of the tortilla, then some of the rice, half of salsa, and some of the corn and cheese.

Step 8. Add the third layer of half tortillas, some of the beans, meat, and cheese.

Step 9. Add the fourth half layer tortillas, then some beans, meat, corn, rice, salsa, and cheese.

Step 10. Cover with foil.

Step 11. Bake for 350 for about 40 minutes.

Step 12. Set to the side for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 13. Garnish as desired.

Enjoy!

Now, remember to save this recipe on Pinterest for later 🙂

How to store Red Sauce Mexican Casserole:

Red Sauce Mexican Casserole can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

How to reheat Red Sauce Mexican Casserole?

Reheat the casserole in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes or until warmed through. Leftovers are also great when served over cooked rice, quesadillas, or nachos!

How long does Red Sauce Mexican Casserole last in the fridge?

Red Sauce Mexican Casserole will last up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Red Sauce Mexican Casserole can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months, making it a great option for meal prepping or batch cooking. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Label the container with the date and contents, and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. To thaw, transfer the casserole to the refrigerator the night before you plan to serve it. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. It’s important to note that the texture of the casserole may be slightly different after freezing, but the flavors will remain just as delicious. With this freezing option, you can enjoy Red Sauce Mexican Casserole anytime, even on busy nights when cooking from scratch is not an option.

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