Try This Zesty Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe Tonight

Crafting an easy Mexican casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of rich flavors dance together, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Cheese melts perfectly between soft tortillas and seasoned meat.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become something special with minimal preparation time.

Families gather around, anticipating each delicious spoonful of this hearty dish.

Simple ingredients combine to produce a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies deep hunger.

You’ll want to savor every bite of this delightful culinary creation.

Why Everyone Loves Easy Mexican Casserole

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Ingredients Checklist for Mexican Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the Mexican casserole.
• Black Beans: A nutritious and protein-rich addition that adds texture and depth to the dish.

• Cheese: A melty topping that adds richness and creates a golden, bubbly crust.
• Sour Cream: A cool and creamy garnish that balances the spicy flavors of the casserole.

• Tortillas: A traditional Mexican staple that creates layers and provides a soft, comforting base.
• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the casserole its signature Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Salsa: A zesty sauce that adds moisture and tangy complexity to the beef mixture.
• Corn: A sweet and crunchy vegetable that brings additional texture to the dish.
• Tomato: A fresh topping that adds brightness and a pop of color.
• Cilantro: A fragrant herb that provides a fresh and vibrant garnish.

How to Cook Easy Mexican Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) while you prep your delicious Mexican feast.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, cooking until it’s perfectly browned.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light and tasty.

Step 3: Create Flavor Explosion

• Zesty taco seasoning
• Chunky salsa
• Hearty black beans
• Sweet corn kernels

Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors dance and mingle.

Step 4: Layer Your Culinary Masterpiece

• Soft tortillas
• Spicy beef mixture
• Melty cheese

Repeat these layers, making sure to finish with a generous sprinkle of cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to become bubbly and turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Dress Up Your Dish

• Creamy sour cream
• Juicy diced tomatoes
• Fresh chopped cilantro

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into your creation and serve while it’s warm, ready to delight everyone at the table.

Tips for Mexican Casserole Perfection

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier protein option.
• Choose whole wheat tortillas to boost fiber content and add more nutritional value to the dish.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and make dinner assembly quick and stress-free.
• Experiment with different types of salsa like green salsa or mango salsa to create unique flavor variations.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven to maintain the crispy cheese texture.

Tasty Changes for Mexican Casserole Fans

• Chicken Fiesta Casserole: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter protein option. Season the chicken with similar spices and continue with the original recipe steps.
• Vegetarian Bean Bake: Swap ground beef with extra black beans, add diced bell peppers, and use plant-based cheese for a meat-free version. Keep the layering technique identical.
• Spicy Green Chile Casserole: Incorporate diced green chiles into the beef mixture, use pepper jack cheese, and add a sprinkle of jalapeños for extra heat. Top with sliced green onions for freshness.
• Southwest Quinoa Casserole: Mix cooked quinoa with the beef mixture, use whole wheat tortillas, and add a layer of roasted corn for added texture and nutrition.

Easy Mexican Casserole for Gatherings

• Transform this casserole into a party centerpiece by setting up a toppings bar. Guests can customize their slice with fresh salsa, guacamole, chopped jalapeños, and extra cheese. Perfect for game nights or casual gatherings where everyone wants to mix and match flavors.
• Pair this hearty casserole with ice-cold Mexican beer or fresh margaritas. Serve alongside crisp tortilla chips and a zesty lime-cilantro dipping sauce. Creates a delicious dining experience that matches the energy of a fun movie night with friends.

Keeping Easy Mexican Casserole Fresh

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For best texture, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on the salsa you choose. Use mild salsa for a less spicy version or hot salsa if you prefer more heat.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the dish gluten-free.

• What type of ground meat works best?

Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives that work perfectly in this casserole.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost the nutritional value and add more flavor to the casserole.

Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering Mexican casserole brings hearty layers of spiced ground beef, cheese, and tortillas to dinner tables. Home cooks can quickly assemble this classic comfort dish with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 8 large tortillas
• 2 cups (226 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) salsa
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup (227 g) sour cream
• 1 tomato, diced (optional)
• Cilantro, fresh, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for assembling the casserole.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly draining any accumulated fat after cooking.
3. Enhance the meat by mixing in taco seasoning, creating a robust flavor profile. Incorporate salsa, black beans, and corn into the beef mixture.
4. Gently simmer the combined ingredients for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Create layers in a baking dish by alternating tortillas, seasoned beef mixture, and shredded cheese. Ensure the final layer is topped with a generous coating of cheese.
6. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
7. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest briefly, cooling slightly to set the layers.
8. Optional: Garnish with dollops of sour cream, freshly diced tomatoes, and scattered cilantro leaves for added freshness and visual appeal.
9. Slice into portions and serve while still warm, capturing the melted cheese and vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or spicy salsa to match your family’s taste preferences.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a leaner or vegetarian version of the casserole.
• Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option that adds a traditional Mexican flavor profile.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and make this a quick weeknight dinner solution.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg