Mexican Casserole

Mexican Casserole is a bold, flavorful, and comforting dish layered with seasoned meat, beans, vegetables, tortillas, and melted cheese. It’s like a deconstructed taco or enchilada baked in a dish—perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy weeknights. With warm spices and hearty ingredients, this casserole is always a hit at my table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how customizable and easy this casserole is. I can throw it together with pantry staples and leftovers, and it still turns out delicious. It’s hearty enough to serve as a full meal, packed with protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s great for meal prep and reheats like a dream.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef or ground turkey
olive oil
yellow onion (chopped)
garlic (minced)
taco seasoning
black beans (drained and rinsed)
corn (frozen or canned)
diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained)
tomato sauce or enchilada sauce
corn tortillas or tortilla chips
shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
optional: sour cream, green onions, cilantro, jalapeños

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. I drain excess fat.

3. I stir in garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for another minute.

4. I add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with their juice, and tomato or enchilada sauce. I stir to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

5. In the baking dish, I layer half the tortillas or chips on the bottom.

6. I spoon half of the meat mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle a layer of cheese.

7. I repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, meat mixture, and top with more cheese.

8. I cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then I uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

9. I let it rest for a few minutes before serving, then garnish with sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro if I like.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30–35 minutes to bake, so I usually have it ready in around 50 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef for a faster version. I also like to add sautéed bell peppers or zucchini to bulk up the veggies. For extra spice, I stir in chopped jalapeños or hot sauce. And when I want it vegetarian, I skip the meat and double the beans or add cooked lentils.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F until hot. It also freezes well—once cooled, I wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it ahead and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When I’m ready to cook, I bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, I’ve used both. Corn tortillas give it more traditional flavor and texture, but flour tortillas work just fine.

What kind of cheese is best?

I usually use a Mexican blend or cheddar, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack add a nice melty texture and extra flavor.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free corn tortillas and double-check that all canned ingredients and taco seasoning are gluten-free.

What can I serve with it?

I serve it with a simple side salad, avocado slices, or rice. It’s also great topped with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Conclusion

Mexican Casserole is a fun, flavorful, and family-friendly meal that’s full of bold taste and comforting textures. With layers of meat, beans, cheese, and tortillas all baked into one bubbling dish, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers all week. Whether I make it ahead or whip it up last-minute, this casserole always delivers satisfying results.