What to Serve With Mexican Casserole: 10 Delicious Sides
Mexican casserole is a popular dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. However, what do you serve with Mexican casserole? I remember the first time I ever had Mexican casserole. It was at my friend’s house, and I was amazed by its deliciousness.
I quickly asked her what she had put in it, and she told me that it was a simple dish made with just a few ingredients. Ever since then, I have been making Mexican casserole for my family, and they love it just as much as I do.
And then I got curious about what side dishes I could serve with this amazing casserole. After doing some research, I found that there are many different options available. However, not all of them will pair well with the flavors in Mexican casserole. I then did several experiments in the kitchen to figure out what to serve with Mexican casserole.
So, what goes well with this dish? Let’s take a look at some of the best options.
What To Serve With Mexican Casserole
- Taco Salad
- Mexican Salsa
- Mexican Corn Salad
- Nacho Chips
- Rice Pilaf
- Cucumber Gazpacho
- Grilled Avocados
- Guacamole Quinoa Salad
- Blacked Beans
- Grilled Vegetables
Taco Salad
Taco salad is a versatile side dish that can be used to complement a variety of main dishes, including Mexican casserole. The key to making a delicious taco salad is to choose the right ingredients. I typically use iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and shredded cheese. For the dressing, I like to use a combination of ranch and salsa. The result is a flavorful and satisfying salad that pairs well with the hearty flavors of Mexican casserole.
One of the great things about taco salad is that it can be easily customized to suit your taste. Don’t like black beans? Feel free to substitute them with pinto beans or lentils. Hate iceberg lettuce? Use romaine or spinach instead. The possibilities are endless!
However, one thing to keep in mind is that taco salad can quickly become soggy if not eaten immediately. To avoid this, I recommend adding the dressing right before you plan on serving the salad. This will help keep the salad fresh and vibrant until it’s time to eat.
Mexican Salsa
For most people, the thought of Mexican food conjures up images of spicy, greasy dishes that are loaded with calories. However, there are plenty of healthy and delicious options available, and one of the best options is Mexican salsa.
Made with fresh tomatoes, onions, and peppers, salsa is a great way to add flavor to any dish without adding a lot of fat or calories. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse until desired consistency is achieved.
If you want a spicier salsa, you can add jalapeno peppers or other chili peppers to the mix. Just be sure to taste as you go so that you don’t end up with something too hot to handle.
When it comes to choosing a side dish for Mexican casserole, salsa is a great option. Not only does it add flavor, but it also helps to balance out the richness of the dish. Plus, it’s a healthy choice that your guests are sure to love. Just be sure to make enough for everyone to enjoy.
Mexican Corn Salad
Mexican Corn Salad is a perfect side dish for Mexican Casserole. It is full of bold flavors and has a nice crunch to it. The sweetness of the corn pairs well with the spiciness of the casserole, and the freshness of the salad helps to cut through the richness of the dish.
There are a few things to keep in mind when making Mexican Corn Salad:
- Make sure to use fresh corn. Frozen corn will not have the same flavor or texture.
- Be careful not to over-dress the salad. A light dressing of olive oil and lime juice is all you need.
- Taste the salad before you serve it and add salt and pepper as needed.
Nacho Chips
Nacho chips are the perfect side dish for Mexican casserole. They have a bold, savory flavor that complements the rich, cheesy goodness of the casserole. Plus, their crunchy texture provides a nice contrast to the creamy casserole.
Important things to note when pairing nacho chips with Mexican casserole:
- They can be quite salty, so be sure to taste the casserole before adding them.
- They can absorb flavors from the casserole, so if you want them to retain their bold flavor, add them at the very end.
- They can get soggy quickly, so be sure to serve them fresh and hot.
Rice Pilaf
Rice Pilaf is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that goes great with Mexican Casserole. It is made with rice, vegetables, and spices and has a light and fluffy texture, and a slightly nutty flavor. The rice and vegetables in it will complement the flavors of Mexican Casserole, and the light and fluffy texture will contrast nicely with the hearty casserole.
Rice Pilaf is also a good choice if you’re looking for a healthy side dish option. It’s low in fat and calories, and it’s packed with vitamins and minerals. The only downside to it is that it can be a bit bland. But, there are a few things you can do to avoid this.
- Be sure to use broth or stock instead of water when cooking the rice. This will give the Rice Pilaf more flavor.
- Add extra spices to the recipe, such as cumin or chili powder.
- Top the Rice Pilaf with fresh herbs or cheese before serving.
Cucumber Gazpacho
Cucumber Gazpacho is the perfect side dish for Mexican Casserole. It is light and refreshing, with a slight crunch from the cucumbers. The acidity from the lime juice helps to cut through the richness of the casserole, and the mint adds a beautiful brightness.
Best of all, Cucumber Gazpacho is incredibly easy to make. Simply combine diced cucumbers, lime juice, mint, and salt in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. This tasty side dish can be made in minutes, with no cooking required. Just chill and serve.
Grilled Avocados
Grilled Avocados are the perfect side dish for Mexican Casserole. They are packed with flavor and have a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the hearty casserole.
Plus, they are super easy to make! Just slice an avocado in half, remove the pit, and brush on some olive oil. Then, simply place the avocado halves on a hot grill and cook for about 2 minutes per side.
The key is to not overcook the avocados, or they will become mushy. When they are done, they should be slightly browned and slightly firm to the touch. Once you’ve grilled your avocados, simply top them with a dollop of sour cream and enjoy!
Guacamole Quinoa Salad
Mexican casseroles are hearty, filling, and often packed with flavor. To balance out the heaviness of the dish, I like to serve a light and refreshing side salad. My go-to choice is Guacamole Quinoa Salad.
This salad is made with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. The quinoa add a nice pop of texture, while the avocado provides creaminess and a boost of healthy fats. Plus, the lime juice gives the salad a bright and zesty flavor that pairs well with the spices in the casserole.
While Guacamole Quinoa Salad is a great option for many reasons, there are a few things to keep in mind when making it:
- Make sure to use ripe avocados so that the salad is creamy and not chunky.
- Be generous with the lime juice – it makes the flavors pop.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with other ingredients. I’ve tried adding corn, black beans, and even grilled chicken to this salad and they all work well.
Blacked Beans
Black beans make the perfect side dish for Mexican casserole. They are slightly sweet and have a creamy texture that pairs well with the crunchy toppings on the casserole. They are also a good source of fiber and protein, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
Important things to note when pairing blacked beans with Mexican casserole:
- Be sure to drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the casserole dish. This will help to remove any excess starch that can make the casserole gummy.
- Add some seasonings to the beans before cooking to give them extra flavor. I recommend using a combination of garlic, chili powder, and cumin.
- Be sure to cook the beans until they are soft but not mushy. This will ensure that they hold up well under the toppings and don’t turn into mush when you bite into them.
Grilled Vegetables
When it comes to side dishes, there are endless possibilities. But if you’re looking for something that will complement the flavors of Mexican Casserole, grilled vegetables are a great option. The smoky taste of grilled vegetables pairs well with the spices in a casserole, and the crispy texture provides a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
Plus, grilling is a quick and easy way to cook vegetables, so you can have this side dish on the table in no time. Just be sure to use plenty of oil or cooking spray to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the grill. And if you’re looking for an extra boost of flavor, try sprinkling them with a bit of salt and pepper before grilling.
Related Questions When Choosing What To Serve With Mexican Casserole
What are other options when choosing what to serve with Mexican casserole?
- Grilled Corn On The Cob
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Spanish Rice
- Mexican Corn Pudding
- Mexican Cornbread
- Roasted Mexican Zucchini
- Refried Beans
- Mexican Sweet Potatoes
- Black Bean Salsa
- Mexican Coleslaw
What’s the difference between a stew and a casserole?
A stew and a casserole are fairly similar to each other, although some would argue that casseroles cook in an oven while stews are cooked using a stovetop.
Do you have to brown meat before making a casserole?
Yes, you should always brown your meat first before you add it to your slow cooker along with your other ingredients to make your dish more flavorful.
Conclusion
So what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen and start cooking up some of these delicious side dishes. Not only will they complement your Mexican casserole perfectly, but they’ll also add a bit of variety to your usual menu.
And who doesn’t love trying something new? Now, go ahead and give one (or all) of these dishes a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed.