This Mexican casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a crowd-pleasing dinner. Packed with layers of seasoned meat, beans, cheese, and tortillas, it’s like a taco in casserole form! With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Prepped and baked in under an hour, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners.
Versatile: You can easily swap ingredients to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.
Comforting: The cheesy, savory layers make it a satisfying and cozy meal.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it ahead of time and bake when needed.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 lb ground beef (or chicken)
1 onion, chopped
1can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
1/2 cup sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
8 small flour tortillas
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or chicken) and onion over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Add the taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and corn to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Lay a layer of tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish, cutting them to fit as needed.
Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top.
Repeat with another layer of tortillas, the remaining beef mixture, and the rest of the cheese.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with sour cream, green onions, and cilantro if desired.
Serving Tips:
Garnish Galore: Elevate your Mexican Casserole by garnishing it with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of lime juice for an added zest. These fresh touches not only enhance the flavor but also add a vibrant contrast to the dish’s rich texture.
Side Dishes: Pair your casserole with a side of refried beans, Mexican rice, or a crisp corn salad to create a fuller meal. These sides complement the flavors of the casserole and make for a more satisfying dining experience.
Customize Your Toppings: Set up a topping station with various options like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and olives. This allows guests to personalize their servings and adds an interactive element to your meal.
Storage Tips:
Cool Before Storing: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation inside the container, which can make the top layer soggy.
Refrigerating: Transfer the cooled casserole into an airtight container or wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Properly stored, the casserole can last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, the Mexican Casserole freezes well. Slice it into portions and wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to keep track of its storage time.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. You can warm it in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. If reheating individual portions, a microwave can be used, heating for 1-2 minutes or until hot. For a crispier top, consider finishing it off under the broiler for a few minutes.
Servings and Timing
Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, pork, or shredded chicken instead of ground beef.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and double the beans or add cooked lentils.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder for more heat.
Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for added flavor.
Low-Carb Version: Use low-carb tortillas or skip the tortillas and layer the filling directly in the dish.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Freezing: Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes, covering with foil for the first half.
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FAQs
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas and check the labels of your taco seasoning and canned ingredients for any hidden gluten.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas work great and add an authentic flavor.
What toppings go well with this casserole?
Sour cream, avocado slices, salsa, hot sauce, shredded lettuce, or a squeeze of lime are all excellent choices.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use two baking dishes. Adjust the baking time slightly if needed.
Conclusion
This Mexican casserole is a delightful combination of comfort and flavor, perfect for any night of the week. It’s easy to make, versatile, and great for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re spicing it up with extra chilies or keeping it mild for the kids, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious layers of cheesy goodness!
📖 Recipe
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Mexican Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this easy Mexican Casserole recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or chicken)
1 onion, chopped
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
8 small flour tortillas
1/2 cup sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef (or chicken) and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and corn. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Layer tortillas in the baking dish, cutting to fit if needed.
- Spread half of the beef mixture over tortillas and sprinkle with ½ cup cheese.
- Add another layer of tortillas, the remaining beef mixture, and the rest of the cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Top with sour cream, green onions, and cilantro if desired.
Notes
For gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas and check labels of taco seasoning and canned ingredients.
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
Corn tortillas can be used instead of flour tortillas for an authentic flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
