If you're looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal, this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Packed with layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, beans, corn, and tortillas, it’s a one-dish wonder that satisfies all your cravings. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, potluck, or a casual get-together, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser. Keep reading to discover the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making this delicious Mexican-inspired dish.

What is a Mexican Casserole?
A Mexican casserole is a baked dish that typically includes layers of seasoned meat, beans, cheese, tortillas, and other classic Mexican-inspired ingredients such as salsa, jalapeños, or green chilies. It's essentially a deconstructed taco or burrito in casserole form, making it a versatile and simple dish to prepare. One of the best things about a Mexican casserole is its flexibility—you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients List for Easy Mexican Casserole
To make a delicious Easy Mexican Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef – You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix – Adds that classic Mexican flavor to your dish.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed – Adds fiber and texture to the casserole.
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained – For added sweetness and crunch.
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) – Adds a tangy, spicy flavor.
- 1 cup salsa – Choose your preferred level of heat (mild, medium, or hot).
- 8 small flour tortillas – Can be swapped with corn tortillas for a more traditional flavor.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese – The cheese that brings everything together.
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Sour cream – Adds a cooling, creamy texture.
- Chopped cilantro – For a fresh burst of flavor.
- Sliced jalapeños – If you like extra heat.
- Chopped avocado or guacamole – Adds richness and balance to the spiciness.
- Lime wedges – A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
While the ingredients listed above create the perfect Easy Mexican Casserole, feel free to adapt the recipe to fit your tastes or dietary requirements. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Protein Substitutes: If you're not a fan of ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat entirely and double the amount of beans or add other veggies like sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a veggie-packed dish.
- Tortilla Variations: You can swap the flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. You could also use tortilla chips for a crunchy twist.
- Cheese Variations: Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese for a bit more kick.
- Sauce Variations: Instead of salsa, you can use enchilada sauce or even a homemade tomato sauce to switch up the flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Seasoning and Veggies
Once the beef is fully cooked, add the packet of taco seasoning mix and stir to combine. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
4. Layer the Ingredients
Now it's time to start layering. In the prepared baking dish, place a layer of tortillas to cover the bottom. Spoon about one-third of the meat and bean mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with a generous amount of cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
5. Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice.
How to Cook Easy Mexican Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking the perfect Easy Mexican Casserole involves layering flavors and textures that meld beautifully together. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to make it:
- Cook the Protein: Brown your ground beef or chosen protein with taco seasoning, tomatoes, beans, and corn for a flavorful base.
- Layer the Dish: Start with a tortilla layer, followed by the beef mixture and cheese. Repeat this for three layers to create a delicious, stacked casserole.
- Bake to Perfection: Baking the casserole helps all the ingredients combine while melting the cheese to gooey perfection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this Mexican casserole is easy to make, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Not draining the beans and corn: Be sure to drain your canned beans and corn properly; excess liquid can make your casserole soggy.
- Overcooking the beef: Be careful not to overcook the ground beef in the skillet before baking; it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Skipping the resting time: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving your Easy Mexican Casserole, a little attention to presentation can elevate the dish and make it even more appealing.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Casserole
You can serve the casserole as a complete meal on its own, but you can also complement it with side dishes such as:
- Mexican rice or Cilantro-lime rice for a more filling meal.
- A simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Chips and salsa or guacamole for a crunchy side.
Presentation Ideas for Easy Mexican Casserole
Here are a few ideas to make your casserole look even more appetizing:
- Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
- Add a few slices of avocado or a spoonful of guacamole on the side for extra flavor and color.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped tomatoes or a few slices of jalapeños for added texture and heat.
Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble this casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
- Freeze It: This casserole freezes beautifully. After assembling, cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Double the Recipe: If you're feeding a crowd, simply double the recipe and use a larger baking dish. This recipe is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this Mexican casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with extra beans, tofu, or even a meat substitute like soy crumbles. You can also load it with extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
2. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes! Corn tortillas will give the dish a more traditional Mexican flavor, and they are also a great gluten-free option.
3. How long does Mexican casserole last in the fridge?
Once cooked, this casserole will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
4. Can I freeze leftover Mexican casserole?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Reheat portions in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal.
5. What can I serve with Mexican casserole?
Serve it with rice, a salad, or tortilla chips for a well-rounded meal. You can also add toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Conclusion
This Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe is a simple and delicious way to bring bold Mexican flavors to your table. It's perfect for a family dinner or even a potluck, and its versatility allows you to customize it to your taste. With just a few ingredients and some layering, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
PrintEasy Mexican Casserole Recipe
This Easy Mexican Casserole recipe is loaded with flavorful ingredients like seasoned ground beef, tortillas, and melted cheese. It's a family favorite and simple to make, combining the best of Mexican-inspired flavors into a hearty and satisfying meal. Ideal for busy weeknights, this casserole is baked to perfection in just under an hour. Keywords: easy Mexican casserole, beef casserole, Mexican dinner recipes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 small corn tortillas
- ½ cup sour cream
- Optional: jalapeños, cilantro, avocado
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, drain fat, and stir in taco seasoning.
- Add diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn to the beef mixture. Cook for 5 minutes.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve topped with sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro.
Notes
You can use flour tortillas if preferred. This casserole is great for meal prepping and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
Leave a Reply