Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe: A Fiesta of Flavors in One Dish

Whipping up an easy Mexican casserole brings comfort and zest to weeknight dinners with minimal effort.

Layers of savory ingredients create a mouthwatering experience that transforms simple components into something spectacular.

Cheese, tortillas, and seasoned meat combine effortlessly in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Quick preparation means you can have a satisfying meal on the table in under an hour.

Families adore how these flavors meld together, creating a hearty and delicious centerpiece.

Spice levels can be adjusted to suit every palate, making this recipe incredibly versatile.

Dive into this culinary adventure and watch everyone ask for seconds!

What Makes Mexican Casserole a Favorite

• Spice Up Family Dinners: Transform ordinary meals into a festive Mexican-inspired feast that brings everyone together around the table with bold, zesty flavors.
• Conquer Weeknight Cooking: Craft a delicious dinner quickly with minimal prep work, using simple ingredients and straightforward layering technique that even beginner cooks can master.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe to suit different tastes by swapping proteins, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to create a personalized meal everyone will love.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a hearty, cheesy casserole that satisfies hunger and provides that warm, comforting feeling perfect for casual gatherings or relaxed family meals.

Ingredients for Mexican Casserole Recipe

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that forms the base of the casserole's hearty filling.
• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that create layers and structure in the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy and golden topping.

• Taco Seasoning, Black Beans, Salsa, Diced Tomatoes: A robust combination that adds zesty Mexican-inspired flavors and texture to the meat mixture.

• Sour Cream, Cilantro: Fresh and cool additions that provide a creamy and bright finish to the casserole.

Step-by-Step Mexican Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Sizzle the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Taco seasoning
• Black beans
• Salsa
• Diced tomatoes

Let everything dance together in the skillet for about 5 minutes, creating a mouthwatering mixture.

Step 4: Layer Like A Pro

• Spread a layer of soft tortillas
• Spoon out the beef mixture
• Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese

Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and let it bubble and brown for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for melted, golden cheese that’s calling your name.

Step 6: Dress It Up

Pull out your masterpiece and crown it with dollops of cool sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Helpful Hints for Mexican Casserole Recipe

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp texture.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier, leaner protein option.
• Use low-sodium taco seasoning to control salt levels and create a more balanced flavor profile.
• Enhance the dish's nutrition by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the beef mixture.
• Prep this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for deeper taste.

Different Takes on Mexican Casserole

• Vegetarian Mexican Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Mexican Bake: Swap tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining traditional Mexican flavors.
• Spicy Chicken Casserole: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken for a different protein option and add jalapeños for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Mexican Dish: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and verify taco seasoning is gluten-free to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.

Suggested Pairings for Mexican Casserole

• Fiesta Flavor Feast: Serve this hearty Mexican casserole with a zesty side of Mexican rice to soak up all the delicious sauce and add extra texture to your meal.
• Taco Night Upgrade: Transform your casserole into a build-your-own taco bar by setting out extra toppings like diced avocados, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, and lime wedges for guests to customize their plate.
• Fresh Finish Flair: Top the casserole with a quick, bright salad of chopped tomatoes, red onions, and fresh cilantro to cut through the richness and add a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy dish.

How to Store Mexican Casserole Safely

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the sour cream and cilantro separate to prevent sogginess.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on your salsa choice. Use mild salsa for less spice or choose medium or hot for more kick.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean protein alternative that works perfectly in this casserole recipe.

• Do I need to use corn or flour tortillas?

Either works great. Corn tortillas provide more traditional Mexican flavor, while flour tortillas offer a softer texture.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef or turkey, low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn to boost nutrition.

Cheesy Mexican Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican casserole brings together layers of flavor from ground beef, cheese, and tortillas. Comforting and simple, this dish provides a delicious meal you can enjoy with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Grains, Beans, and Vegetables:

• 6 small corn tortillas
• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup salsa
• Chopped cilantro
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for assembling the casserole.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, carefully draining any accumulated fat to keep the dish light.
3. Incorporate taco seasoning, black beans, salsa, and diced tomatoes into the meat, simmering the mixture for 5 minutes to blend flavors thoroughly.
4. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating alternating layers of tortillas and the seasoned beef mixture.
5. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese between each layer, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor and texture.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and casserole to set.
8. Finish by topping with fresh cilantro and a dollop of cool sour cream just before serving to add brightness and contrast.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Replace ground beef with shredded chicken or plant-based meat alternatives for versatile dietary options.
• Use low-sodium taco seasoning and black beans to control salt intake for heart-conscious individuals.
• Swap regular tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas to accommodate different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 388 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg