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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it thoroughly and heating the oven to 350F (175C).
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for 6-7 minutes, carefully draining any excess fat.
- 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.
- Create the first foundation layer by arranging half of the tortilla pieces across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the tortilla base, followed by a layer of sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, sour cream, salsa, and cheese to build a complete casserole structure.
- Sprinkle diced onions and black olives across the top for additional texture and flavor complexity.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
- 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