When you need a quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dinner, this Mexican Casserole delivers every time. It’s the perfect mashup of classic taco flavors layered in a hearty, oven-baked dish that’s both easy and satisfying.
Made with layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, tortillas, salsa, and lots of gooey cheese, this casserole is a family favorite. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable—great for busy weeknights or potlucks. Think of it as a taco lasagna, loaded with all your favorite Tex-Mex ingredients!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade mix)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 oz) can corn, drained (optional)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1 cup salsa
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas (cut into halves or strips)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Jalapeños
- Sliced olives
- Shredded lettuce
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
Step 3: Season and Mix
- Drain any excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa. Simmer the mixture for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
In the greased baking dish, start layering:
- A layer of tortillas (covering the bottom)
- Half of the beef mixture
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Repeat with remaining tortillas, meat, and top with the rest of the cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Variation:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and double the beans or use lentils
- Chicken Casserole: Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken
- Low-Carb: Use thinly sliced zucchini or low-carb tortillas
- Spicy Kick: Add pickled jalapeños or use spicy salsa
- Creamy Option: Mix in a little sour cream or cream cheese to the beef mixture
COOKING Note:
For crispier tortilla edges, don’t over-saturate them with wet ingredients. You can also lightly toast tortillas before layering for added texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Add a spoonful of guacamole or avocado slices
- Top with crunchy tortilla strips or crushed corn chips
- Pair with a green salad with lime vinaigrette
- Offer a side of refried beans or grilled street corn
Tips:
- You can prep the entire dish a day ahead and refrigerate before baking
- Let it rest after baking so it slices cleanly
- Easily doubled for a party—just use a larger pan or two dishes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freezes well—assemble and freeze before baking for best results
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 8 servings):
- Calories: ~380
- Protein: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fat: ~22g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Sodium: ~700mg
Nutrition may vary based on specific brands and toppings used.
❓FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes! You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready. You may need to add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze Mexican casserole?
- Absolutely. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake covered at 375°F for 30–40 minutes.
What’s the best cheese to use?
- A Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack all work well. Use what you love!
Can I make this gluten-free?
- Yes! Use gluten-free tortillas and check that your taco seasoning and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I use canned enchilada sauce instead of salsa?
- Yes, it gives it a slightly different flavor but works beautifully in this recipe.
Conclusion:
This Mexican Casserole is a quick, hearty, and incredibly flavorful dinner option that will become a staple in your recipe rotation. With simple ingredients, bold flavors, and customizable options, it’s the ultimate comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist.
Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weekly meal prep—this cheesy, beefy casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Just layer, bake, and enjoy!