Delicious King Ranch Casserole Recipe for Easy Dinner

King Ranch Casserole: The Creamy, Cheesy Classic I Keep Coming Back To

If you grew up in the South — or know someone who did — chances are you’ve heard of King Ranch Casserole. It’s not fancy, it’s not trendy, and that’s exactly why I love it.

This Texan classic is the definition of comfort food: creamy, cheesy, layered with tortillas, chicken, and a little kick of spice. It’s the kind of dish that shows up at potlucks, family dinners, and holiday tables — the kind people come back for seconds (and thirds) without shame.

And here’s the best part: it’s incredibly easy to make.

🧡 What Is King Ranch Casserole?

Named after the famous King Ranch in Texas, this dish is basically a Tex-Mex take on lasagna — but with tortillas instead of noodles, and a creamy, spicy chicken filling instead of marinara. Think rotisserie chicken meets cheesy enchiladas, all baked into a bubbling casserole. It’s one of those meals that taste even better the next day, making it a favorite for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Why I Love This Dish

It’s nostalgic. It’s indulgent. It doesn’t pretend to be “clean eating” or “gourmet.” It just shows up, warm and melty, and makes your whole house smell like dinner at Grandma’s.

Plus, it’s endlessly customizable — you can lighten it up, spice it up, or throw in whatever you have on hand. The core of King Ranch Casserole is comfort, not perfection.

Tell me: What’s your favorite nostalgic casserole?

Classic King Ranch Casserole Recipe

Servings: 6–8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

🛒 Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)

• 2 tablespoons butter or oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup

• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), undrained

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 10–12 corn tortillas, torn or cut into quarters

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Tex-Mex blend)

• Optional: chopped cilantro, sour cream, or jalapeños for garnish

  
  

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes.

3. In a large mixing bowl, stir together:

   • Sautéed onions and peppers

   • Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups

   • Diced tomatoes with green chiles

   • Spices (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder)

   • Salt & pepper to taste

   • Shredded chicken

     
     

4. Layer the casserole:

   • Line the bottom of the dish with half the tortillas

   • Spoon half the chicken mixture over the tortillas

   • Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese

   • Repeat the layers: tortillas, chicken mixture, then top with the remaining cheese

     
     

5. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.

   
   

6. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños if desired.