Looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavors, quick to make, and loved by all? This Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe is just what you need! Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or preparing a simple weeknight meal, this dish brings together the best of Mexican flavors in a satisfying, one-dish meal. Packed with ingredients like ground beef, beans, cheese, and vibrant spices, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your household. Stick around to learn how to prepare this delicious casserole, plus some tips, variations, and serving ideas that will elevate your cooking game.

What is an “Easy Mexican Casserole”?
An Easy Mexican Casserole combines all the signature flavors of classic Mexican cuisine—savory meats, beans, cheese, and a blend of spices—layered together in a casserole dish. This dish is usually baked to perfection, making it crispy on top and soft in the middle. It’s a versatile and customizable recipe that allows you to add your favorite ingredients while sticking to the core flavors. The best part? It’s simple to make, and you can have dinner ready with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd on special occasions.
Ingredients List for Easy Mexican Casserole
To make this flavorful casserole, you'll need a handful of pantry staples, along with some fresh ingredients. Here’s what you need:
- 1 lb ground beef – This is the base protein for your casserole. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed – Beans add texture and fiber to the dish.
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained – Provides a sweet, crisp bite.
- 1 packet taco seasoning – This blend of spices gives your casserole that classic Mexican flavor.
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies – Adds acidity, moisture, and a mild heat.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese – For that irresistible cheesy goodness.
- 6 large tortillas (corn or flour) – These serve as the layers for your casserole, similar to lasagna noodles.
- ½ cup salsa – Choose mild, medium, or hot salsa depending on your preference.
- ½ cup sour cream – For creaminess and tang.
- ½ cup chopped onions – Adds a bit of crunch and flavor depth.
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro – For freshness and garnish.
Additional Ingredients for the Easy Mexican Casserole
In addition to the basics, you can add other ingredients to customize your casserole:
- 1 can (4 oz) sliced black olives – These offer a salty contrast and pair well with the other ingredients.
- 1 cup refried beans – This creates a creamier, richer texture in the casserole.
- ½ cup sliced jalapeños – For those who love an extra kick of heat.
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped – Use as a garnish for a pop of color and flavor.
- ½ teaspoon cumin and paprika – Additional spices for those who prefer a bit more depth in the seasoning.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily swap out ingredients or add new ones to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or extra beans (such as pinto beans or kidney beans). You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Chicken version: Swap the ground beef with shredded, cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken works great here for an even quicker meal prep.
- Low-carb version: Replace the tortillas with low-carb tortillas or omit them altogether and layer with more vegetables or cauliflower rice.
- Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and replace the sour cream with a plant-based version or guacamole for a creamy, dairy-free touch.
- Spicier version: Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños for a spicier casserole. Use a hot salsa or diced tomatoes with habaneros instead of mild green chilies.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe comes together in just a few easy steps, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a homemade meal with minimal fuss. Let’s walk through the process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish or baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and stir well to coat the meat.
- Prepare the filling: Add the drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and onions to the skillet. Stir until all the ingredients are combined and heated through.
- Layer the casserole: Start by placing a layer of tortillas on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the beef and bean mixture, followed by a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat the process, ending with a final layer of tortillas and a generous topping of cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like a crispy top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve.
How to Cook Easy Mexican Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven: Always start by preheating the oven so it’s hot and ready when your casserole goes in. This ensures even cooking.
- Brown the meat: Browning the ground beef thoroughly is crucial. It adds a nice depth of flavor and texture to the dish.
- Layer properly: Be mindful of your layering technique. Always start with tortillas on the bottom to prevent the casserole from sticking. Layering evenly ensures every bite has a mix of flavors and textures.
- Monitor cheese melting: If you’re a fan of gooey cheese, bake just until the cheese melts. For a golden-brown crust, turn on the broiler for a few minutes at the end.
- Let it rest: This step is often skipped, but it’s essential! Letting the casserole rest after it comes out of the oven helps it firm up, making it easier to serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the resting period: Cutting into the casserole too soon can cause it to fall apart.
- Overbaking: Overbaking can result in dry tortillas or burned cheese. Always keep an eye on the casserole during the final few minutes.
- Not draining the beans and corn: Excess moisture from undrained beans and corn can make the casserole soggy.
- Too much liquid: Be careful with ingredients like salsa and canned tomatoes. If they’re too watery, drain a little liquid before adding them to prevent a soggy bottom.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This casserole is not only delicious but also visually appealing with its layers and vibrant colors. Here’s how to serve it:
- Serve with toppings: Provide extra toppings like sliced avocado, jalapeños, chopped cilantro, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors.
- Side dishes: Pair your casserole with simple sides like Mexican rice, chips and guacamole, or a fresh green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Casserole
- Individual portions: Cut the casserole into square portions and serve each piece topped with your favorite garnish.
- Family-style: Let everyone dig in! Place the casserole on the table with a variety of toppings and let guests serve themselves.
Presentation Ideas for Easy Mexican Casserole
- Garnish generously: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or green onions over the top for added color. For a visual pop, add a few slices of bright red or yellow peppers as a garnish.
- Use a cast-iron skillet: Baking the casserole in a cast-iron skillet gives it a rustic look that’s perfect for serving straight from the oven to the table.
Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Freeze it: This dish freezes well, so you can double the recipe and freeze one for later. Just bake it directly from the freezer, adding about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
- Adjust spice level: Customize the heat by adjusting the taco seasoning, salsa, and types of chilies you use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with extra beans, plant-based crumbles, or additional veggies.
How can I make it spicier?
You can increase the heat by using spicy salsa, adding more jalapeños, or incorporating hot chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just follow the regular instructions.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Conclusion
This Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe is not only delicious and satisfying, but it’s also flexible enough to suit a variety of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, preparing it ahead of time for a busy week, or even freezing it for later, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. So grab your ingredients, follow this step-by-step guide, and enjoy a flavorful, comforting meal that everyone will love. Don’t forget to get creative with your toppings and sides to make the meal even more special. Happy cooking!
PrintEasy Mexican Casserole Recipe
This easy Mexican casserole recipe combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, salsa, and cheese for a delicious, family-friendly meal. It's a hearty dish that's perfect for weeknights or potlucks. Layered with tortillas and melted cheese, it brings together the best of Mexican flavors in a single pan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Black beans
- Salsa
- Tortillas
- Shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Taco seasoning
- Corn (optional)
- Sour cream (optional for topping)
- Green onions or cilantro (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook ground beef with diced onion and garlic until browned. Add taco seasoning, black beans, and salsa; stir to combine.
- In a baking dish, layer tortillas, the beef mixture, and shredded cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with sour cream and garnish with green onions or cilantro if desired.
Notes
You can add corn or jalapeños for extra flavor. Serve with a side of rice or salad to make it a full meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
Leave a Reply