Firecracker Casserole

If you’re on the hunt for a new family-friendly dinner option that’s short on prep time but big on flavor, firecracker casserole checks all the boxes. This easy, versatile casserole inspired by Tex-Mex flavors layers ground beef, black beans and zesty southwestern spices under a creamy blanket of cheesy, chili-tomato sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest—hearty and satisfying with just enough zing to live up to its name. Best of all, firecracker casserole comes together in only 15 minutes and bakes in under 30, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.

Firecracker Casserole Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Black beans
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Flour tortillas
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Diced tomatoes with green chiles
• Cheddar cheese

Directions

Step 1: Brown the meat

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. In a large skillet, add the chopped onion and ground beef, and cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Drain the liquid from the skillet and return it to the stovetop. Stir in the beans, chili powder, cumin and salt.

Editor’s Tip: If you don’t have chili powder on hand already, try one of the best chili powder brands as chosen by our Test Kitchen pros. Otherwise, try your hand at a homemade chili seasoning mix.

Step 2: Assemble the casserole

Transfer the beef mixture to a 13×9-inch baking dish. Arrange the tortillas over the top, slightly overlapping them to cover the meat mixture completely. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the condensed soup and the tomatoes with chiles, and pour the mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle the casserole evenly with cheese.

Editor’s Tip: We recommend 6-inch flour tortillas for this recipe, as opposed to tortillas sized for burritos or street tacos.

Step 3: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s heated through in the center and the cheese is bubbly. Remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to Store Firecracker Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. Firecracker casserole can also be frozen for up to four months if wrapped in storage wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container or bag. Reheating can be done in the microwave or in an oven at 350º for approximately 15 minutes or until heated through.

Firecracker Casserole Tips

Why is it called firecracker casserole?

The name firecracker casserole likely comes from the spark of heat that comes from the combination of spices and green chiles used in this recipe. While not tongue-scorchingly hot, the zesty flavor definitely pops in your mouth.

What’s the best way to serve firecracker casserole?

As with many cheesy casseroles, this recipe is perfectly suited to be served as is, straight from the oven. That said, a few fresh toppings will take this dish to the next level of delicious. Some suggestions are sprinkling the finished casserole with diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, guacamole, a dollop of sour cream or homemade salsa. Serving firecracker casserole with a simple side salad, a side of tortilla chips or avocado slices are also excellent accompaniments.

Can firecracker casserole be made gluten-free?

Definitely. To make this into a gluten-free dinner recipe, you’ll need to check the ingredient list on the cream of mushroom soup to make sure it doesn’t contain gluten. Since it’s a cream soup, most brands will contain wheat—so look for one that is marked gluten-free on the label. Additionally, you can easily replace the flour tortillas with corn tortillas or a gluten-free option made with a wheat alternative flour.

Can you make firecracker casserole work with chicken instead of beef?

Firecracker casserole is fantastic with chicken. You can use ground chicken (or turkey) and follow the recipe exactly as written, or pull the meat from a rotisserie chicken and simply saute the onions alone. Either way, the outcome will be delicious.