Looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks? This Easy Mexican Casserole is the answer! Loaded with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, cheese, and topped with crunchy tortilla chips, this casserole has all the bold flavors you love from Mexican cuisine. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers. Read on for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to create this delicious Mexican casserole that will be a hit with the whole family!
What Is a Mexican Casserole?
A Mexican Casserole is a baked dish that layers seasoned ground beef (or turkey), beans, corn, salsa, cheese, and tortillas or chips, creating a hearty, flavorful meal reminiscent of tacos or enchiladas. The ingredients are typically layered in a casserole dish and baked until bubbly and cheesy. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep. You can easily customize the recipe with different proteins, vegetables, and toppings, making it a versatile dish to suit your tastes.
Ingredients List for Mexican Casserole
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Easy Mexican Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (or pinto beans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) corn (drained, or 1 ½ cups frozen corn)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot, depending on your preference)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 6-8 corn tortillas (or tortilla chips)
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ½ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips (for layering or topping)
Substitutions and Variations
This Mexican Casserole is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Ground Beef: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian option.
- Beans: Black beans are traditional, but you can use pinto beans, kidney beans, or refried beans for a creamier texture.
- Corn: You can use canned, frozen, or fresh corn kernels, depending on what you have on hand.
- Tortillas vs. Chips: Corn tortillas are traditional for layering, but tortilla chips add a nice crunch. You can use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture.
- Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, a Mexican cheese blend, or pepper jack for extra spice.
- Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or zucchini to boost the nutrition and flavor of the dish.
- Toppings: Garnish with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, or hot sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy and flavorful Mexican Casserole step by step:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. If using ground turkey or chicken, cook it the same way. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onions and garlic: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the taco seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Add a splash of water if needed to help mix the seasoning evenly.
- Stir in the beans, corn, and tomatoes: Add the drained beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies (including their juice) to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Layer the casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the tortillas or tortilla chips on the bottom of the dish. Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then add a layer of sour cream and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers: Add another layer of tortillas or chips, followed by the remaining beef mixture. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced black olives, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and any other toppings you like.
How to Cook Mexican Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick guide to ensure you make the best Mexican Casserole every time:
- Brown the meat and cook the onions and garlic for added flavor.
- Mix in the beans, corn, and tomatoes for texture and taste.
- Layer the tortillas or chips with the beef mixture and cheese.
- Bake until bubbly and the cheese is golden and melted.
- Top with your favorite garnishes for extra flavor and color!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Mexican Casserole:
- Soggy tortillas: To avoid soggy tortillas, you can toast the tortillas in a dry skillet for a minute before layering them in the casserole. Alternatively, use tortilla chips for a crunchy texture.
- Not draining the beans and corn: Be sure to drain the beans and corn well to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
- Overcooking: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes to prevent the cheese from becoming too brown or the tortillas from becoming overly crisp.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to taste the beef mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. The taco seasoning adds flavor, but feel free to add more spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder to suit your taste.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This Mexican Casserole is already packed with flavor, but here are a few ways to make it even more special when serving:
- Top with fresh ingredients: Garnish the casserole with fresh cilantro, green onions, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream for a fresh, bright contrast to the cheesy layers.
- Serve with tortilla chips: For extra crunch, serve the casserole with a side of tortilla chips or even layer them on top just before serving.
- Add fresh salsa or guacamole: Serve with a side of fresh salsa, guacamole, or pico de gallo to add a burst of flavor and brightness to the rich casserole.
How to Serve Mexican Casserole
This Mexican Casserole is a hearty, stand-alone dish, but you can serve it with some extra sides or toppings to round out the meal:
- Salads: Serve with a simple green salad or Mexican-style slaw for a fresh side.
- Rice and beans: Complement the casserole with Mexican rice or refried beans on the side.
- Toppings: Customize each serving with a variety of toppings like sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, salsa, or hot sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Mexican Casserole
Casseroles may be casual dishes, but you can still make your Mexican Casserole look as appealing as possible with a few presentation tips:
- Use a colorful dish: Baking the casserole in a vibrant ceramic or glass dish makes the meal look more festive.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a few slices of avocado on top for a pop of color.
- Serve with individual toppings: Create a toppings bar with bowls of sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, and jalapeños so guests can customize their servings.
Mexican Casserole Recipe Tips
To ensure your Mexican Casserole comes out perfectly every time, here are a few extra tips:
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just bake it as directed when you’re ready to serve.
- Freeze leftovers: Mexican Casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Add extra flavor: For an extra kick, mix some chopped jalapeños or green chilies into the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle some cumin or smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Mexican Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This
makes it perfect for meal prep or a busy weeknight dinner.
Q: Can I freeze Mexican Casserole?
A: Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
A: Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer, but keep in mind that corn tortillas hold up better in baking and won’t get as soggy.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: For more heat, add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder to the beef mixture, or use a hot salsa instead of mild.
Conclusion
This Easy Mexican Casserole is a flavor-packed, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving something comforting with a little kick. With layers of seasoned beef, beans, corn, tortillas, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so you can make it your own with different ingredients and toppings. Try this recipe today for a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love!
PrintEasy Mexican Casserole Recipe
This Easy Mexican Casserole recipe is a flavorful combination of ground beef, black beans, salsa, tortillas, and melted cheese, layered and baked to perfection. It's a crowd-pleasing, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights, offering all the vibrant tastes of Mexican cuisine in a quick and easy casserole format.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 6 small corn tortillas (cut into halves or quarters)
- ½ cup sour cream (optional)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, salsa, and diced tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes.
- In a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, layer tortillas, then spread the beef mixture, and top with shredded cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with sour cream and cilantro before serving.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for ground beef.
- Add jalapeños for extra spice, or serve with guacamole and salsa on the side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
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