Easy Mexican Casserole & Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this unique combination of savory Mexican casserole and sweet caramel apple dump cake! This delightful dish offers the best of both worlds: a hearty, flavorful casserole packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese, followed by a decadent, warm apple dessert baked right on top. It’s the ultimate fusion of textures and tastes, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

The incredible flavor combination will leave everyone wanting more. Imagine the rich, savory notes of the Mexican casserole perfectly complementing the sweet, caramelized apples and buttery crumble topping of the dump cake. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this recipe simplifies the process while delivering maximum flavor. Ready to experience this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this unforgettable Mexican Casserole with Caramel Apple Dump Cake.

Tools Needed

  • high-walled pot
  • baking dish
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • spatula
  • fork

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Mexican Casserole

  • add diced bell peppers).
  • Drain grease and add taco seasoning, drained corn, drained pinto beans, undrained petite diced tomatoes, and red enchilada sauce.
  • Stir in 3/4 cup minute rice and 8 oz cubed velveeta cheese. Simmer until cheese melts.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Brown 1.5 lbs ground beef with 0.5 frozen diced onion (optional: add diced bell peppers).Drain grease and add taco seasoning, drained corn, drained pinto beans, undrained petite diced tomatoes, and red enchilada sauce.Stir in 3/4 cup minute rice and 8 oz cubed velveeta cheese. Simmer until cheese melts.Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Prepare the Mexican Casserole
  • Spray baking dish with nonstick spray. Add a spoonful of the meat mixture to the bottom.
  • Layer 4 corn tortillas in the dish.
  • Add 1/3 of the meat mixture, then another layer of tortillas, another 1/3 of the mixture, and a final layer of tortillas.
  • Top with the remaining meat mixture and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
Spray baking dish with nonstick spray. Add a spoonful of the meat mixture to the bottom.Layer 4 corn tortillas in the dish.Add 1/3 of the meat mixture, then another layer of tortillas, another 1/3 of the mixture, and a final layer of tortillas.Top with the remaining meat mixture and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
Prepare the Mexican Casserole
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.
  • Top the finished casserole with sour cream, extra cheese, or taco sauce.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.Top the finished casserole with sour cream, extra cheese, or taco sauce.
Prepare the Mexican Casserole

Step 2. Assemble and Bake the Caramel Apple Dump Cake

  • Melt 1.5 sticks of butter.
  • Add yellow cake mix to melted butter and stir.
  • Spray a separate baking dish with nonstick spray. Add 2 cans of apple pie filling, then 0.5 cup caramel sauce.
  • Top with the cake mix and butter mixture.
Melt 1.5 sticks of butter.Add yellow cake mix to melted butter and stir.Spray a separate baking dish with nonstick spray. Add 2 cans of apple pie filling, then 0.5 cup caramel sauce.Top with the cake mix and butter mixture.
Assemble and Bake the Caramel Apple Dump Cake
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.
  • Serve the caramel apple dump cake with vanilla ice cream.
Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.Serve the caramel apple dump cake with vanilla ice cream.
Assemble and Bake the Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Read more: No-Bake Carlota de Limon: Easy Mexican Lime Icebox Cake Recipe

Tips

  • Use a high-walled pot for browning the beef to make draining easier.
  • You can use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas.
  • For the dump cake, mixing the cake mix with melted butter prevents dry spots.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I make the casserole and dump cake separately?

While delicious separately, the magic is in baking them together! The heat from the casserole helps the dump cake bake evenly and creates a unique flavor interaction.

2. Can I substitute ingredients?

Yes! Feel free to swap ground beef for chicken or turkey. Different beans work well too. For the dump cake, use your favorite apples or even a different fruit.


This Easy Mexican Casserole and Caramel Apple Dump Cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors in one convenient dish. From its simple preparation to its impressive results, it's the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy this unique culinary fusion and get ready for rave reviews!