Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe

Looking for a delicious, hearty meal that’s quick to prepare and full of bold flavors? This Easy Mexican Casserole is the perfect solution! Loaded with seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and layers of tortillas, this casserole brings the classic flavors of Mexican cuisine into one simple, crowd-pleasing dish. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or gatherings, and can easily be customized to fit your taste. Let’s get started with this easy-to-make, satisfying casserole that everyone will love!

this Recipe

What is a “Mexican Casserole”?

A Mexican Casserole is a layered dish that typically includes ground beef or chicken, beans, tortillas or chips, vegetables, and cheese, all baked together in one dish. It’s similar to a lasagna but with Mexican ingredients like salsa, taco seasoning, and beans. This casserole is great for those who love the flavors of tacos, burritos, or enchiladas, but want the convenience of a one-pan meal. It’s simple to prepare, uses pantry staples, and can be customized with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeños.

Ingredients List for Easy Mexican Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Easy Mexican Casserole:

1. 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
2. 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
3. 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
4. 1 can (15 oz) corn (drained)
5. 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
6. ½ cup salsa (your favorite variety)
7. 1 cup sour cream
8. 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
9. 10 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas, cut into quarters)
10. ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
11. ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional garnish)
12. 1 small onion (diced)
13. 1 tablespoon olive oil
14. Salt and pepper to taste
15. Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapeños, guacamole, and sour cream

Ingredients List for Easy Mexican Casserole (Healthier Option)

For a healthier version of Easy Mexican Casserole, consider these substitutions:

1. 1 lb ground turkey (leaner than beef)
2. 1 packet low-sodium taco seasoning
3. 1 can (15 oz) low-sodium black beans (drained and rinsed)
4. 1 can (15 oz) corn (no added salt)
5. 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes (with no salt added)
6. ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream)
7. 1 ½ cups reduced-fat cheese
8. Whole wheat tortillas (cut into quarters)

Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Protein Options: You can swap out the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use extra beans or veggies.
• Beans: Black beans are commonly used, but you can also use pinto beans, kidney beans, or even refried beans for a creamier texture.
• Cheese: Cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend works well, but you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
• Tortillas: Use flour or corn tortillas, or even substitute with tortilla chips for added crunch.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa, and consider adding extra jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicier casserole.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Easy Mexican Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Season the Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes, and salsa. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little oil or cooking spray. Layer half of the tortilla pieces at the bottom of the dish.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the meat and bean mixture over the tortillas. Then spread half of the sour cream on top, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat with another layer of tortillas, the remaining meat mixture, sour cream, and cheese.
6. Add Toppings (Optional): If using black olives, sprinkle them on top of the cheese.
7. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Cool and Garnish: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and your choice of toppings like diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapeños, or guacamole.

How to Cook Mexican Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Brown the Beef: Cook the ground beef with onions and seasonings until fully browned.
2. Add Beans and Corn: Stir in black beans, corn, and Rotel tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Start with a base layer of tortillas, then alternate layers of meat mixture, sour cream, and cheese.
4. Bake to Perfection: Cover the casserole, bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake until the cheese is melted and golden.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool slightly, garnish with your favorite toppings, and dig in!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Soggy Tortillas: Avoid soggy tortillas by cutting them into quarters and layering them evenly. This allows the tortillas to absorb the flavors without becoming mushy.
2. Under-seasoning the Meat: Make sure to season the ground beef or turkey well with taco seasoning. Taste the meat mixture before assembling the casserole to ensure it’s flavorful.
3. Not Draining the Meat: Drain any excess fat from the ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
4. Skipping the Garnishes: Don’t skip the fresh garnishes like cilantro, green onions, or tomatoes—they add brightness and extra flavor to the dish.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Even though this is a casual dish, you can still make it look inviting with a few presentation tips:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or diced tomatoes on top for color and flavor.
2. Serve with Sides: Pair the casserole with a simple side salad, tortilla chips and guacamole, or Mexican rice to complete the meal.
3. Add a Squeeze of Lime: Just before serving, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the casserole for a tangy burst of flavor.

How to Serve Mexican Casserole

• Family Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish and let everyone help themselves. It’s perfect for casual dinners or gatherings.
• Individual Portions: Scoop out servings onto plates and garnish each with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
• With Tortilla Chips: Serve the casserole with tortilla chips on the side for scooping or as an extra crunchy topping.

Presentation Ideas for Mexican Casserole

1. Serve in a Cast Iron Skillet: For a rustic, homestyle feel, bake and serve the casserole in a cast iron skillet.
2. Garnish with Fresh Veggies: Top the casserole with diced avocado, tomatoes, and green onions for a fresh and vibrant presentation.
3. Cheesy Finish: Broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes to get a golden, bubbly cheese topping that’s irresistible.

Mexican Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of ground beef?
A: Yes! Ground chicken or turkey works well in this recipe and provides a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Skip the meat and double the beans or add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.

Q: Can I use tortilla chips instead of tortillas?
A: Yes,

you can substitute tortilla chips for the tortillas. Just layer them as you would the tortillas for a crunchy twist.

Q: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A: To add more heat, use hot salsa, add diced jalapeños, or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.

Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes, just use corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas, and make sure your taco seasoning is gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Easy Mexican Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the simplicity of a one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, it’s packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, tortillas, and cheese—all baked to melty perfection. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is sure to impress. Try out different variations, top it with your favorite garnishes, and enjoy this cheesy, flavorful meal!

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