Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving a warm, hearty dinner that brings everyone to the table with smiles, look no further than this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe. Bursting with flavorful ground meat, wholesome black beans, sweet corn, and plenty of melty cheddar, all tucked between layers of soft tortillas and baked until bubbly, this casserole is guaranteed comfort food magic. And the best part? You won’t spend all night in the kitchen—assembly is a breeze, the results are downright delicious, and the leftovers taste even better the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe comes together with a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building rich flavor, irresistible texture, and that eye-catching golden top. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love them:
- Olive Oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps soften your veggies for a perfect base.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Gives the casserole a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Red Bell Pepper (diced): Lends color, crunch, and a hint of natural sweetness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with an aromatic kick that ties everything together.
- Ground Beef or Turkey (1 pound): Provides hearty protein; choose your favorite for a classic or lighter version.
- Taco Seasoning (1 packet, 1 ounce): Packs in bold, Tex-Mex flavor without fuss or measuring.
- Black Beans (1 can, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Adds creaminess and fiber while making the casserole super satisfying.
- Corn Kernels (1 can, 15 ounces, drained): Delivers pops of sweetness that balance out the savory notes.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (1 can, 10 ounces): Provides juiciness and zippy, tangy flavor—skip or swap if you’re sensitive to heat.
- Flour or Corn Tortillas (8 small, cut into quarters): Act as the delicious layers that soak up all the goodness—use corn for gluten-free!
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts into a golden, gooey top that everyone will fight over.
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup): Sprinkled at the end, this herb brings freshness and a pop of color to every bite.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup, for serving, optional): Creamy, cool, and perfect for dolloping atop your finished casserole.
How to Make Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, go ahead and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe won’t stick, making serving (and cleanup!) so much easier.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing until both are just soft—about four minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, letting those savory scents fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
Add your ground beef or turkey to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula or spoon as it cooks. Continue until the meat is nicely browned and no longer pink. If you see lots of extra fat, go ahead and drain it off for a lighter dish.
Step 4: Add Big Flavor
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, then stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let everything simmer together for two to three minutes, gently mixing to evenly blend those bold, zesty flavors. Your filling is now ready!
Step 5: Layer It Up
Now the fun part: assembling the casserole! Place half the tortilla quarters in the bottom of your prepared dish, slightly overlapping. Top with half the meat and veggie mixture, followed by half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, filling, and cheese to build your beautiful, mouthwatering layers.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake another five minutes to brown that cheesy top to perfection. When it’s golden, melty, and sizzling, remove from oven and let cool for just a few minutes.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the finished casserole, adding a burst of color and brightness. Serve generous portions with a dollop of sour cream if you like. Dig in and enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate every serving of this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe with fresh toppings! A scattering of chopped cilantro adds a pop of green and citrusy lift, while a dollop of creamy sour cream brings cooldown with every bite. For extra flair, try sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime over each plate.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a standalone main but pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, fiesta-style rice, or a batch of chips and guacamole. If you’re feeding a hungry crowd, round out your table with Mexican street corn or refried beans for even more festive flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
You don’t have to stick to basic square slices! Try scooping individual servings into bowls and topping with your favorite taco fixings, or use muffin tins to bake mini portions for parties. For potlucks or family dinners, set out a topping bar and let everyone customize their own slice of Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The casserole reheats wonderfully and the flavors only get cozier by day two—making lunch or quick dinners a treat to look forward to!
Freezing
For longer storage, this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to three months—just remember to label the date!
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated slices in the microwave or pop the whole casserole (covered) into a 350°F oven until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain that lovely, cheesy texture. Add a little extra cheese on top before reheating if you want to keep things ultra-gooey!
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the meat for extra beans (like pintos or kidney beans) or add sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for even more color and nutrition.
Can I assemble the casserole in advance?
You sure can! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to one day before baking. It’s perfect for meal prep or prepping ahead for a party—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
What tortillas work best—corn or flour?
Both are delicious! Corn tortillas offer a traditional texture and keep the dish gluten-free, while flour tortillas bake up tender and creamy. Use whichever suits your taste or dietary needs best.
How spicy is this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe?
It’s mild to medium as written, thanks to the taco seasoning and tomatoes with green chilies. For more heat, add sliced jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning. Prefer it milder? Choose diced tomatoes without chilies and use mild taco seasoning instead.
Can I double the recipe for a big group?
Yes! Double all the ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch pans. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser—ideal for potlucks, reunions, or hosting friends on game night.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a weeknight dinner that’s comforting, easy, and absolutely loaded with flavor, this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe is the answer. I truly hope you’ll try it soon and make it your own—you might just find it becomes a new family favorite!
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Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe is a flavorful and hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Layers of tortillas, seasoned meat, beans, corn, and cheese, all baked to gooey perfection. Top with cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream for a delicious meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare filling: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper. Add garlic and meat, then season with taco seasoning. Mix in beans, corn, and tomatoes.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese in a baking dish. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve with sour cream.
Notes
- You can swap black beans for pinto beans or add jalapeños for extra heat.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute meat with extra beans or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
