Mexican Casserole from Rachel Hollis' Real Life Dinners

A Recipe & Cookbook Review

February 21, 2024  |  3 min read

Ally Veldhuisen

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One of my favorite hobbies is trying new recipes from cookbooks I find at the library or used bookstores. Recently, I picked up Real Life Dinners by Rachel Hollis. I recognized the author’s name from her popular memoir “Girl, Wash Your Face,” so I was curious to see her take on home cooking. 

The ingredients to make Mexican Casserole

How was the Mexican Casserole?

I decided to try the Mexican Casserole recipe. The ingredient list was simple: chicken, onion, bell pepper, taco seasoning, beans, corn, tomatoes, tortillas, and cheese. I adapted it based on what I had on hand, using my own taco seasoning and substituting different cheeses. 

To make the casserole, I sautéed the veggies, added the chicken and spices, then assembled layers of tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese in a baking dish. I threw it in the oven for 25-30 minutes at 400 degrees. The preparation method was straightforward and customized easily based on my ingredients.

The finished casserole was delicious! It was a satisfying two-dish meal, and a nice change from my usual recipes.The tortillas add some structure and density to the dish, making it very filling, so it would easily feed 6-8 people in one sitting – but it reheats well and also provides great leftovers for the rest of the week!

The makings of a Mexican casserole

How was the cookbook?

I appreciate Hollis’ relatable voice and unfussy recipes in this cookbook. The dishes I tried were simple, yet tasty and used ingredients I often stock in my pantry. I love that her recipes provide room for improvisation based on what you have on hand, because shopping for specific ingredients can be time-consuming and hard on a stringent grocery budget. 

I’d recommend Real Life Dinners for busy home cooks looking for approachable weeknight meals. This casserole is definitely going into my regular rotation!

Real Life Dinners by Rachel Hollis

Here is my adapted recipe. Rachel’s recipe is probably even better if followed precisely! Check out her book on Amazon, or from your local library.

Adapted Mexican Casserole from Rachel Hollis' Real Life Dinners
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Adapted Mexican Casserole from Rachel Hollis' Real Life Dinners

Recipe by Ally Veldhuisen
Servings

6-8

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Baking Time

30

minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)

  • ½ medium onion, diced

  • 1 c diced bell pepper

  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • 1 can corn

  • 1 can black beans, rinsed

  • 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes with green chiles

  • 1 ½ tsp salt

  • 10 tortillas

  • 2 cups pepper-jack cheese (or whatever you have on hand)

Directions

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet or pan. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.

  • Add the prepared chicken, taco seasoning, and cumin.

  • Once chicken is cooked, stir in corn, beans, tomatoes, green chiles, and salt. Remove mixture from heat.

  • Cover the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan with strips of tortilla, then spoon in half of the meat mixture into the pan.

  • Top with cheese, then cover with tortilla strips. Repeat the process by covering with the meat mixture, cheese, and then any remaining tortilla strips and cheese.

  • Bake for 25-30 minutes at 400 degrees farenheit.