Name: Crunchy Tex-Mex Casserole with Spicy Ranch Drizzle
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning mix; 1 cup water; 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained; 2 cups corn chips (like Fritos); 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided; 1 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix; 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional); Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Key Takeaways
Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe
A Comfort Food Classic with Tex-Mex Flair
Weeknight Dinners Made Simple
Bring the Crunch: What Makes This Casserole Irresistible
Easy Recipes for Dinner the Whole Family Will Love
Spice It Up: Tips to Make It Your Own

Key Takeaways

This Crunchy Tex-Mex Casserole is one of those easy recipes that checks all the boxes: bold flavor, cheesy comfort, and simple prep. Perfect for dinner recipes that please the entire family, it’s layered with seasoned beef, beans, corn chips, melty cheese, and topped with a spicy ranch drizzle. Great for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you’re craving cozy comfort food with a little kick.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe

At Betty Cooks, we’re all about practical dishes that deliver big on flavor—and this casserole is a shining example of that. If you’re searching for easy recipes that don’t skimp on flavor, this one deserves a spot on your meal rotation. It’s ready in about 40 minutes, and even picky eaters love it. Plus, it uses pantry staples you probably already have.

A Comfort Food Classic with Tex-Mex Flair

This recipe combines the heartiness of ground beef, black beans, and shredded cheese with the zesty bite of taco seasoning and tomatoes with green chiles. It’s a dish that bridges the best of two worlds: the boldness of Tex-Mex and the coziness of a baked casserole. When you’re craving recipes for dinner that warm you from the inside out, this is the one to reach for.

Weeknight Dinners Made Simple

We all need a few reliable dinner recipes up our sleeve—especially for weeknights when time is short but appetites are big. With minimal prep and easy-to-follow steps, this meal delivers the convenience of quick and easy recipes without sacrificing taste. It’s the kind of dish that makes dinner feel like less of a chore and more of a celebration.

Bring the Crunch: What Makes This Casserole Irresistible

What sets this apart from other easy recipes is the satisfying contrast between the soft layers and the crispy corn chips. Baked under a generous blanket of melted cheese and finished with a drizzle of creamy, spicy ranch, each bite delivers crunch, comfort, and a punch of flavor. It’s also an easy win for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

Easy Recipes for Dinner the Whole Family Will Love

Whether you’re making a weeknight meal or planning a casual get-together, this casserole brings people together. It’s budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable. Add jalapeños for heat, sub turkey for a leaner take, or toss in some bell peppers for color and crunch. It even pairs perfectly with butter swim biscuits easy recipes or a simple side salad.

Spice It Up: Tips to Make It Your Own

If you’re into bold flavors, this one’s for you. You can easily turn up the heat with extra hot sauce, pepper jack cheese, or even diced jalapeños. Looking to lighten it up? Swap ground beef with turkey or opt for low-fat cheese. This casserole also makes great leftovers—just reheat and enjoy. It’s one of those easy recipes ninja creami fans will appreciate for its flexibility and taste.