Are you looking for a quick and flavorful meal that will please the whole family? Look no further than this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe! Packed with hearty ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and beans, this dish brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico straight to your dinner table with minimal effort. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this Mexican casserole is sure to become a household favorite. Read on to learn how to make this crowd-pleasing dish step by step, and be sure to check out the variations and tips to customize it to your taste!
What is an Easy Mexican Casserole?
An Easy Mexican Casserole is a layered, baked dish that combines classic Mexican flavors like seasoned meat, beans, corn, tortillas, and cheese. Think of it as a Tex-Mex lasagna – all the ingredients are layered in a casserole dish and baked to perfection. The casserole is topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh ingredients like cilantro, sour cream, or avocado. This dish is super customizable, allowing you to mix and match different ingredients depending on what you have on hand or your family's preferences.
Ingredients List for Easy Mexican Casserole
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make this Easy Mexican Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn kernels, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (or regular diced tomatoes)
- 8 oz salsa (your choice of mild, medium, or spicy)
- 8 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas, depending on preference)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro for garnish
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ¼ cup diced green onions (optional)
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for added heat)
Ingredients List for Toppings (Optional)
Once your casserole is done baking, you can top it with a variety of fresh, delicious ingredients. These toppings not only enhance the presentation but also add extra flavor and texture to your dish:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess
- Chopped avocado or guacamole for richness
- Fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness
- Pico de gallo for a zesty kick
- Sliced jalapeños for extra heat
- Lime wedges for a tangy finish
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Mexican casserole recipe is how flexible it is. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try based on what you have available or what dietary preferences you follow:
- Protein: Swap out the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter alternative. You can also make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat altogether and adding extra beans or vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Beans: If you're not a fan of black beans, you can use pinto beans or kidney beans instead. You can also add refried beans for a creamier texture.
- Tortillas: Both corn and flour tortillas work well in this casserole. You can also use tortilla chips for a crunchy variation or layer the casserole with rice instead for a heartier dish.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a spicy Pepper Jack for a bit more kick.
- Spices: You can adjust the spice level to your liking by using a spicier salsa, adding extra chili powder, or throwing in some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to start cooking? Follow these simple steps to create your Easy Mexican Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or a small amount of oil.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until fully browned, breaking up the meat with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning to the cooked beef according to the package instructions. Mix in ¼ cup of water and simmer for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you're using homemade seasoning, you can adjust the amount to taste.
- Stir in the beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until it’s heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Layer the tortillas: Place 4 tortillas on the bottom of your prepared casserole dish, overlapping them as needed to cover the entire bottom.
- Spread half of the meat mixture evenly over the tortillas. Then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the meat.
- Add another layer of tortillas, followed by the remaining meat mixture and another 1 cup of cheese.
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until everything is hot and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, cilantro, and avocado.
How to Cook Easy Mexican Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef and season it with taco seasoning.
- Mix in beans, corn, tomatoes, and salsa to the cooked beef.
- Layer tortillas and meat mixture in a casserole dish, alternating layers.
- Top with cheese and bake covered for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted.
- Garnish and serve with your favorite toppings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe like this, there are a few pitfalls to be aware of:
- Overcooking the beef: Avoid cooking the ground beef for too long, or it can become dry. Just cook it until it's browned.
- Using too much liquid: If your canned tomatoes or salsa are too watery, your casserole may turn out soggy. Drain excess liquid if necessary to prevent this.
- Forgetting to cover the casserole: If you don’t cover the casserole with foil during the first part of baking, the tortillas may become too crispy or the cheese may burn.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When serving this Mexican casserole, you want to make it as appetizing as possible. Here are a few presentation ideas:
- Serve in colorful plates or bowls to complement the vibrant colors of the casserole.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle chopped cilantro for a fresh pop of green.
- Add a wedge of lime on the side for guests to squeeze over the casserole for a tangy touch.
- Pair with a simple side salad dressed with a lime vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Casserole
This Mexican casserole is a one-dish meal, but you can always add a few simple sides to round out the meal:
- Serve with Spanish rice or Mexican rice for a more filling meal.
- Add a side of refried beans or charro beans for a complete Mexican-inspired feast.
- Tortilla chips and guacamole make for a perfect appetizer or crunchy side.
Presentation Ideas for Easy Mexican Casserole
For a visually appealing presentation:
- Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, diced green onions, and sliced jalapeños for a pop of color.
- You can also serve with mini bowls of toppings like pico de gallo, salsa, and guacamole on the side for guests to customize their plates.
- Layer the casserole in individual ramekins for a fun and elegant twist on this family-style dish.
Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe Tips
Here are a few tips to make sure your casserole turns out perfect every time:
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when you're ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
- Double the recipe: If you're feeding a crowd or want leftovers, this recipe can easily be doubled and baked in two casserole dishes.
- Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well, making it a great make-ahead meal. Just assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, bake it directly from the freezer, adding an additional 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, both flour and corn tortillas work well in this recipe. Corn tortillas tend to hold up better, but if you prefer the taste of flour tortillas, feel free to use them.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can leave out the meat and add extra beans or vegetables to keep it hearty and filling.
How long does Mexican casserole last in the fridge?
It will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I make this casserole spicier?
Definitely! Add chopped jalapeños, spicy salsa, or extra chili powder to the mix to give your casserole more heat.
Conclusion
This Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its customizable ingredients, simple preparation, and bold flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your home. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with your own variations, this comforting dish will have everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients and give this casserole a try – it’s a surefire way to bring some delicious Mexican-inspired flavors to your table!
PrintEasy Mexican Casserole Recipe
This Easy Mexican Casserole recipe is perfect for a family dinner, combining seasoned ground beef, cheese, beans, and tortillas. With simple steps and bold flavors, this dish makes an excellent choice for Mexican cuisine lovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 flour tortillas
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain fat.
- Add taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Layer 3 tortillas at the bottom of a greased casserole dish.
- Spread half of the beef mixture, then top with cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining tortillas, beef, and cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Serve with sour cream, black olives, and cilantro.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot diced tomatoes or add jalapeños.
- You can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx.)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 960 mg
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