Sizzling Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe: Fiesta in Every Bite

Whipping up an easy Mexican casserole brings comfort and zest to your weeknight dinner routine.

Layers of rich, melted cheese and tender meat create a mouthwatering experience.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Warm spices dance across each bite, promising satisfaction for everyone at the table.

No complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed – just simple, delicious components.

Hungry for a quick and delectable meal that sparks joy?

Dive right in and let this recipe become your new go-to dinner solution.

A Flavor Explosion: Mexican Casserole

• Whip Up Flavor-Packed Comfort: A Mexican casserole that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game nights where everyone craves something deliciously satisfying and hearty.
• Quick and Customizable Weeknight Winner: Prepare this dish in under an hour, with endless options to adjust ingredients based on personal taste preferences or what's in your pantry.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Utilizes affordable ingredients like ground beef, canned beans, and tortillas to create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without sacrificing taste.

Gather Your Ingredients For Mexican Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the foundation of this Mexican-inspired casserole.

• Black Beans, Corn, Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: A colorful blend that adds texture, nutrition, and a southwestern kick to the dish.
• Onions, Black Olives: Optional toppings that provide extra depth and visual appeal.

• Sour Cream, Cheese: Creamy elements that bring richness and a smooth texture to the casserole.

• Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that infuses the ground beef with classic Mexican flavors.

• Tortilla Pieces: Soft tortillas that create layers and help bind the casserole together.

• Fresh Cilantro, Green Onions: Bright, fresh herbs that add a final touch of color and flavor.

How To Craft A Delicious Mexican Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains, about 6-7 minutes.

Drain any excess grease thoroughly.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Beef Mixture

• Taco seasoning
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Black beans
• Corn

Stir everything together and let simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

Spread half of the tortilla pieces across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base.

Step 5: Add First Flavor Layer

• Half of the beef mixture
• Half of the sour cream
• Half of the salsa
• Half of the shredded cheese

Step 6: Create the Second Layer

Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients, creating a mirror image of the first layer.

Step 7: Add Optional Toppings

Sprinkle diced onions and black olives across the top of the casserole for extra flavor and texture.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Look for bubbly, golden-brown cheese as your signal that it’s ready.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Let the casserole rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven.

Optionally, top with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions before serving.

Tips To Elevate Your Mexican Casserole

• Remove excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and enhance overall dish texture.
• Customize taco seasoning intensity by adding more or less mix to suit personal heat preference and taste.
• Ensure even cheese distribution by letting it come to room temperature before sprinkling over casserole layers.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless alternative.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions just before serving to add brightness and fresh flavor profile.

Variations That Bring New Life To Mexican Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños, use hot salsa, and sprinkle cayenne pepper for those who love intense heat. Choose pepper jack cheese to amplify the spiciness.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Creation: Substitute tortillas with cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower as a base. Use low-carb tortilla chips or skip them entirely for a lighter meal.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Select corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Ensure taco seasoning and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Verify all packaged components meet gluten-free standards.

Serving Ideas To Complement Mexican Casserole

• Festive Fiesta Plating: Serve this zesty casserole on a colorful ceramic plate with a vibrant tablecloth to capture the Mexican-inspired spirit.
• Fresh Flavor Boosters: Top with additional dollops of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra zing and texture.
• Sidekick Sensations: Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, crisp green salad, or warm tortilla chips to create a complete and satisfying meal that will delight everyone at the table.
• Party Presentation: Serve family-style directly from the baking dish with small individual plates, allowing guests to scoop their own portions and enjoy the layered goodness.

Storing Mexican Casserole To Maintain Freshness

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Simply follow the same cooking method and it will work perfectly in this casserole.

• How spicy is this casserole?

The heat level depends on your taco seasoning and salsa choice. Use mild versions for less spice or add hot salsa for more kick.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free tortillas and check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

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

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Description

Mexican casserole blends hearty flavors from traditional Mexican cuisine into a comforting one-dish meal. Layers of seasoned ground beef, cheese, and tortillas create a satisfying dinner that brings families together around the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 can (10 ounces / 284 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) corn (drained)
• 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)

Dairy and Tortillas:

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas (cut into quarters)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup salsa
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it thoroughly and heating the oven to 350F (175C).
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for 6-7 minutes, carefully draining any excess fat.
3. Enhance the beef with taco seasoning, incorporating diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
4. Create the first foundation layer by arranging half of the tortilla pieces across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the tortilla base, followed by a layer of sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheese.
6. Repeat the layering process with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, sour cream, salsa, and cheese to build a complete casserole structure.
7. Sprinkle diced onions and black olives across the top for additional texture and flavor complexity.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, then garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Lean Protein Option: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat alternative that maintains the dish’s delicious flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace meat with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, black beans, or vegetarian meat substitute to create a hearty meatless version.
• Spice Customization: Adjust taco seasoning intensity by using mild or hot varieties, or create a homemade blend to control sodium and heat levels for personal preference.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, which helps flavors meld and simplifies meal preparation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg