Mexican Bubble UP Casserole
MEXICAN BUBBLE UP CASSEROLE is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 8. 440 calories per serving. Recipe by Catherine's Plates on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: 38 min | Total: 1 hr 23 min
Cost: $17.16 total, $2.15 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground Beef (80% lean; can be substituted with ground turkey or ground chicken)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For browning the beef)
- 1 whole Yellow Onion (Roughly chopped)
- 10 ounces Red Enchilada Sauce (Canned)
- 10 ounces Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Canned; can replace with diced tomatoes + 4 oz canned green chilies)
- 15 ounces Corn Kernels (Drained)
- 15 ounces Refrigerated Biscuit Dough (Approximately 8 biscuits; keep refrigerated until use)
- 1.75 cups Colby-Monterey Jack Cheese (Shredded; can use Mexican blend, cheddar, or other melty cheese)
- 1 spray Cooking Spray (For greasing the baking dish)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (Chopped; optional garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin (Optional, adds depth)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder (Optional, adds heat)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium‑high heat, add 1 Tbsp olive oil, then add the 2 lb ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink.
Time: PT5M
Cook the Onion
Add the roughly chopped yellow onion to the browned beef and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
Time: PT5M
Drain Excess Grease
Turn off the heat and carefully pour off any excess fat from the skillet.
Time: PT2M
Add Sauces and Corn
Stir in the 10 oz red enchilada sauce, 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the drained 15 oz corn. Mix until evenly combined, then turn off the burner.
Time: PT2M
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 375°F. While it heats, spray the inside of a 9x13‑inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 375°F
Cut Biscuit Dough
Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough (≈15 oz). Cut each biscuit into eight roughly equal pieces and scatter them evenly across the greased baking dish.
Time: PT5M
First Layer of Meat and Cheese
Spoon half of the meat‑sauce mixture over the biscuit pieces, spreading it into the grooves. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese over this layer.
Time: PT3M
Second Layer of Meat and Cheese
Add the remaining meat mixture on top of the first cheese layer, then top with the remaining ¾ cup shredded cheese.
Time: PT2M
Bake the Casserole
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and the biscuit pieces are fully cooked.
Time: PT38M
Temperature: 375°F
Rest and Garnish
Remove the casserole from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving.
Time: PT7M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 440
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Gluten, High protein
Allergens: Milk, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, Vegetable oil
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White onion, Sweet onion
- Instead of Red Enchilada Sauce: Homemade enchilada sauce
- Instead of Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Diced tomatoes + canned green chilies
- Instead of Corn Kernels: Frozen corn, Fresh corn
- Instead of Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: Homemade biscuit dough, Store‑bought biscuit mix
- Instead of Colby-Monterey Jack Cheese: Mexican blend cheese, Cheddar cheese
- Instead of Cooking Spray: Butter, melted
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: Green onions
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Can Opener
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x13 Baking Dish
- Cooking Spray Bottle
- Spoon
- Oven
- Toothpick
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the ground beef fully before adding sauce.
- Draining excess grease to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Cutting biscuit dough into uniform pieces for even puffing.
- Layering meat mixture and cheese correctly to achieve the bubble‑up effect.
- Baking until the cheese is golden and a toothpick test shows biscuits are cooked.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lime juice to the meat mixture before assembling.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, increase the amount of green chilies or add a diced jalapeño with the onion.
- Use a mix of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar for a richer cheese crust.
Troubleshooting
Biscuit pieces are still doughy after baking.
Increase baking time by 5‑10 minutes, ensuring the top stays golden. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Casserole is watery or soggy.
Make sure to drain the canned corn and excess grease from the meat. You can also bake uncovered for an extra 5 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
Cheese does not brown.
Place the casserole under the broiler for 1‑2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap the cooled casserole in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 30‑35 minutes, covered, then uncover for the last 5 minutes.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the meat‑sauce mixture and cut the biscuit pieces up to step 8, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- The assembled casserole can be frozen uncovered; bake from frozen, adding 10 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Mexican Bubble Up Casserole in Mexican‑American cuisine?
While not a traditional Mexican dish, the bubble‑up casserole reflects the Mexican‑American tradition of turning classic comfort foods into hearty, family‑friendly meals. It combines familiar Mexican flavors like enchilada sauce and Rotel with the convenience of biscuit dough, a technique popularized in the U.S. Midwest for quick weeknight dinners.
What are the traditional regional variations of Mexican‑style casseroles in the United States?
In the Southwest, casseroles often use corn tortillas or masa instead of biscuit dough, and they may feature black beans or chorizo. In the Midwest, biscuit‑based casseroles like this one are common, using readily available canned Mexican ingredients for speed.
How is Mexican Bubble Up Casserole traditionally served in Mexican‑American households?
It is typically served hot from the oven, topped with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions, and accompanied by a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad. Some families also serve it with lime wedges for a bright finish.
What occasions or celebrations is Mexican Bubble Up Casserole commonly associated with in Mexican‑American culture?
Because it’s quick to assemble, families often make it for casual gatherings, potlucks, game nights, or as a comforting weeknight dinner after school. It’s also a popular dish for birthday parties and holiday leftovers.
How does Mexican Bubble Up Casserole fit into the broader Mexican cuisine tradition?
The casserole incorporates core Mexican flavors—enchilada sauce, tomatoes with green chilies, cumin, and cilantro—while using a casserole format that aligns with American comfort food traditions, illustrating the fusion nature of Mexican‑American cooking.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Mexican Bubble Up Casserole versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include ground beef, red enchilada sauce, Rotel (or diced tomatoes with green chilies), corn, and a melty cheese blend like Colby‑Monterey Jack. Substitutes can be ground turkey, homemade enchilada sauce, plain diced tomatoes plus canned chilies, frozen corn, and any Mexican‑style cheese blend.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with Mexican Bubble Up Casserole?
Serve it alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, a simple avocado‑lime salad, or a side of guacamole and salsa. A chilled margarita or a light cerveza also complements the flavors.
What makes Mexican Bubble Up Casserole special or unique in Mexican‑American cuisine?
Its signature “bubble‑up” texture—fluffy biscuit pieces that puff and soak up the sauce—creates a comforting, one‑dish meal that delivers bold Mexican flavors without the need for multiple components or extensive prep.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mexican Bubble Up Casserole?
Common errors include not fully browning the beef, forgetting to drain excess grease, using too much liquid which leaves the biscuits soggy, and under‑baking the biscuit layer. Following the drainage step and checking the biscuit doneness with a toothpick prevents these issues.
Why does this Mexican Bubble Up Casserole recipe use refrigerated biscuit dough instead of homemade biscuit dough?
Refrigerated biscuit dough provides a consistent, flaky texture and saves time, which aligns with the channel’s “simple, easy, and delicious” philosophy. Homemade dough can be used, but the canned version ensures the biscuits puff uniformly during baking.
Can I make Mexican Bubble Up Casserole ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the casserole through step 8, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the assembled, uncovered casserole and bake directly from frozen, adding about 10 minutes to the bake time.
What does the YouTube channel Catherine's Plates specialize in?
Catherine's Plates focuses on simple, family‑friendly recipes that are easy to follow, often featuring comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and dishes that involve kids in the cooking process.
How does the YouTube channel Catherine's Plates' approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?
Catherine's Plates emphasizes accessibility—using pantry staples, canned Mexican ingredients, and store‑bought biscuit dough—making Mexican‑flavored meals approachable for home cooks who may not have specialty ingredients, whereas many other channels focus on authentic, ingredient‑intensive techniques.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
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