Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe: Zesty Family Favorite

Crafting a delicious easy Mexican casserole takes minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Layers of cheese, tortillas, and seasoned meat come together in a mouthwatering dish.

Comfort food rarely looks this good or tastes so satisfying.

Home cooks appreciate simple recipes that deliver big on taste.

Weeknight dinners become exciting with this hearty meal that everyone loves.

Spices blend perfectly to create a zesty, crowd-pleasing experience.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for future family gatherings.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every single bite.

Mexican Casserole: Bold, Spicy, Delicious

• Savor the Simplicity: A hearty one-dish wonder that brings Mexican flavors right to your dinner table with minimal fuss.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners where everyone craves something delicious and satisfying.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients based on dietary needs or personal preferences, making it a flexible meal solution for different tastes.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal prep work and straightforward cooking steps mean you can have a restaurant-worthy dish on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Assemble Your Mexican Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the core of the Mexican casserole.

• Black Beans, Corn, Diced Tomatoes: These ingredients add nutritious texture and a classic Mexican flavor profile to the dish.

• Taco Seasoning, Salsa, Salt, Pepper: These spices and condiments provide depth and traditional Mexican taste to the casserole.

• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream: These ingredients add creamy richness and a tangy finish to the dish.

• Tortilla Strips, Black Olives: These components create layers and provide a traditional Mexican-inspired texture and garnish.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the ground beef and preventing sticking.

A Simple Roadmap to Mexican Casserole Success

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for the delicious casserole.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Drizzle olive oil into a skillet and heat it up over medium flame.

Toss in the ground beef and cook until it turns a beautiful golden brown, breaking it up into crumbly pieces.

Step 3: Spice Up the Mixture

• Taco seasoning
• Black beans
• Corn
• Diced tomatoes
• Salsa
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the mixture simmer and get friendly for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Create Tasty Layers

• First layer: Half of the tortilla strips
• Second layer: Half of the beef mixture
• Third layer: Half of the shredded cheese

Repeat these layers one more time for maximum deliciousness.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Dollop sour cream across the top, sprinkle remaining cheese, and scatter black olives if you’re feeling extra fancy.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese turns melty and starts to bubble with excitement.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Pull the casserole out and give it a few minutes to calm down before serving.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Insider Tip for Ultimate Mexican Casserole

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crispy texture.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.
• Swap ground beef with shredded chicken or plant-based meat for dietary variations.
• Add fresh cilantro or green onions on top for extra brightness and color contrast.
• Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips before baking to create a delightful crunchy topping.

Creative Add-On Ideas for Your Casserole

• Vegetarian Mexican Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed black beans and mushrooms for a meat-free protein option.
• Chicken Mexican Casserole: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or seasoned diced chicken breasts for a lighter protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Mexican Cauliflower Bake: Use cauliflower rice instead of tortilla strips and add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a low-carbohydrate version.
• Gluten-Free Mexican Casserole: Ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free and use corn tortillas or gluten-free tortilla strips to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Perfect Pairings for Mexican Casserole Night

• Fiesta Night Centerpiece: Serve this casserole as the star of your dinner party, surrounded by colorful side dishes like Mexican rice and fresh guacamole for a complete meal experience.
• Potluck Winner: Bring this hearty dish to community gatherings or family reunions, where its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors will make you the most popular guest.
• Weeknight Comfort Meal: Transform this recipe into a quick family dinner by prepping ingredients earlier and assembling quickly when everyone's hungry, making mealtime stress-free and delicious.
• Leftover Magic: Store remaining portions in individual containers for easy lunch prep, reheating perfectly for a satisfying midday meal that beats boring sandwiches.

How to Store Your Mexican Casserole Fresh

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before storing.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months, maintaining its flavor and texture.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole and provides similar flavor and texture.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has mild spice from taco seasoning, but you can adjust heat levels by choosing mild or hot salsa and adding jalapeños if desired.

• How can I make this gluten-free?

Simply use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure your taco seasoning and salsa are certified gluten-free.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding 57 minutes to the cooking time.

Simple Mexican Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican casserole combines layers of tortillas, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese into a comforting dish. Spicy, cheesy goodness satisfies hungry diners seeking bold southwestern flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 ounces/283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)

Dairy and Tortillas:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 8 small corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then brown ground beef thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Drain excess fat from the meat, then incorporate taco seasoning, creating a rich, spicy flavor profile.
4. Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the taste.
5. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, melding the ingredients and intensifying the flavors.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and create easy serving.
7. Create the first layer by evenly spreading half of the tortilla strips across the bottom of the dish.
8. Distribute half of the beef mixture over the tortilla strips, ensuring consistent coverage.
9. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese to create a melty foundation.
10. Repeat the layering process with remaining tortilla strips, beef mixture, and cheese.
11. Garnish the top with dollops of sour cream, additional cheese, and black olives for extra texture and flavor.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese becomes fully melted and slightly golden.
13. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the casserole to set before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or shredded chicken for varied protein options and dietary preferences.
• Customize heat levels by choosing mild, medium, or spicy salsa and taco seasoning to match personal spice tolerance.
• Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free version that maintains authentic Mexican flavor profile.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 425 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg