Name: Mexican Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey); 1 small onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade mix); 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (10 oz) can corn, drained (optional); 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel); 1 cup salsa; 6 small flour or corn tortillas (cut into halves or strips); 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Sour cream; Chopped cilantro; Diced avocado; Jalapeños; Sliced olives; Shredded lettuce

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Introduction

This Mexican Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. Combining seasoned ground beef, beans, tortillas, and melted cheese, it’s an easy one-pan meal that the whole family will love.

A close-up view of a white casserole dish filled with a layered nacho bake placed on a white marbled surface with a gray and white striped cloth underneath. The bottom layer consists of golden-yellow tortilla chips partially visible at the edges. On top is a thick layer of cooked ground beef mixed with corn kernels that add bright yellow spots. This is covered by melted cheese in white and light orange colors, which stretches slightly and has a gooey texture. Scattered evenly across the top are small diced red tomatoes and fresh green cilantro leaves, adding fresh color contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade mix)
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (10 oz) can corn, drained (optional)
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
1 cup salsa
6 small flour or corn tortillas (cut into halves or strips)
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

Sour cream
Chopped cilantro
Diced avocado
Jalapeños
Sliced olives
Shredded lettuce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
Step 3: Drain any excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, corn (if using), diced tomatoes with green chiles, and salsa. Simmer the mixture for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Step 4: In the greased baking dish, start layering: spread a layer of tortillas covering the bottom, then half of the beef mixture, followed by 1 cup shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and meat mixture, then top with the rest of the cheese.
Step 5: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra spice.
Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version.
Layer in extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more flavor and nutrition.
Top with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado to enhance the taste before serving.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This dish also freezes well—freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a baked layered dish in a white dish with a red outer side, featuring at least three visible layers: the bottom layer is a crispy tortilla base with some corn pieces, the middle layer is a thick, brown ground meat sauce mixed with corn, and the top layer is melted, golden and white cheese with small pieces of red tomato and green cilantro scattered across it. The edges of the dish show a mix of the melted cheese and toppings, creating a rich texture. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a grey and white checkered cloth partly visible underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the meat and add extra beans, vegetables, or plant-based meat substitutes to keep it hearty and delicious.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it just before serving.