The Ultimate Fiesta: Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering easy Mexican casserole recipe that brings zesty flavors to your dinner table.

Layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla chips create a hearty meal everyone will devour.

Packed with classic southwestern spices, this dish delivers a bold and satisfying experience.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Simple ingredients combine to create a crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a fiesta on a plate.

Families and friends will be asking for seconds of this delicious, no-fuss casserole that brings the warmth of Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every delectable bite!

Mexican Casserole Options And Add-Ins

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version that keeps all the classic Mexican flavors intact.
• Gluten-Free Fiesta: Swap regular tortillas with corn tortillas and ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free to create a celiac-friendly casserole without compromising taste.
• Spicy Lover's Option: Add diced jalapeños, extra green chilies, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to increase heat and kick the flavor profile up a notch for those who enjoy bold spiciness.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice or thinly sliced zucchini instead of tortillas, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the delicious Mexican-inspired essence of the original recipe.

How To Serve Mexican Casserole Best

• Fresh Fiesta Plate: Serve this zesty casserole with a crisp green salad topped with lime vinaigrette for a balanced meal that adds freshness.
• Mexican Sidekick Spread: Pair with Mexican rice, warm corn tortillas, or creamy guacamole to elevate the dining experience and complement the casserole's bold flavors.
• Spice It Up Station: Set out extra toppings like chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, and diced avocado so everyone can customize their plate and add personal heat levels.
• Weekend Party Platter: Perfect for game nights or casual gatherings, this casserole serves 6-8 people and allows guests to scoop and enjoy a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish.

Simple Storage For Mexican Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of enchilada sauce to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the top layer of cheese.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild heat from taco seasoning and green chilies. If you want more spice, add extra hot sauce or choose a spicier taco seasoning blend.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, additional beans, or chopped vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same.

• Do I need to cook the tortillas before layering?

No, you can use corn or flour tortillas directly from the package. They’ll soften and absorb flavors while baking in the casserole.

Easy Mexican Casserole Standout Features

• Quickly Assemble a Crowd-Pleaser: This Mexican casserole comes together with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients to match your family's taste preferences, from switching ground beef to using chicken or adding extra veggies for a personalized touch.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward layering mean less cleanup and more time enjoying a delicious meal with loved ones.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Packed with affordable ingredients like beans, tortillas, and ground beef, this recipe delivers maximum flavor without breaking the bank.

Ingredients To Gather For Mexican Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Flour Tortillas: Soft, flexible base that creates layers and holds the casserole together.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy, tangy goodness to the dish.

• Enchilada Sauce: Adds authentic Mexican flavor and keeps the casserole moist.
• Taco Seasoning: Provides a classic spicy and zesty Mexican-style taste profile.

• Diced Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base to the beef mixture.
• Black Beans: Provides extra protein, texture, and authentic Mexican flair.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Introduces moisture, slight heat, and bright flavor.

• Sour Cream, Black Olives, Fresh Cilantro: Adds cool, tangy, and fresh finishing touches to the casserole.

Steps To Assemble Mexican Casserole Fast

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Brown The Protein

In a spacious skillet, dance the ground beef and chopped onions together over medium heat.

Cook until the beef transforms into a delightful golden-brown color, about 5-7 minutes.

Wave goodbye to any extra grease by draining it away.

Step 3: Spice Things Up

• Taco seasoning
• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies

Let the mixture simmer and mingle for 2-3 minutes, creating a mouthwatering base.

Step 4: Create The Foundation

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray.

Spread a thin, tantalizing layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom.

Step 5: Build The First Layer

Arrange tortillas across the sauce, letting them slightly overlap if needed.

Generously spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then shower with a blanket of cheese.

Step 6: Repeat The Magic

• Fresh tortillas
• Remaining beef mixture
• More cheese

Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the top like a flavor waterfall.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges bubble with excitement and the cheese turns a gorgeous golden color.

Step 8: Garnish And Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes.

• Dollops of sour cream
• Sprinkled black olives
• Fresh cilantro leaves

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in!

Tips To Enhance Mexican Casserole Flavors

• Brown meat thoroughly to develop rich, deep taste and drain excess fat for a cleaner, less greasy texture.
• Use a blend of Mexican cheese varieties like monterey jack and cheddar for more complex, authentic flavor profile.
• Substitute ground turkey or lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content without sacrificing taste.
• Adjust taco seasoning and choose mild or hot green chilies based on personal heat tolerance and family preferences.
• Assemble casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient weeknight dinner planning.

Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican Casserole blends zesty flavors and comforting textures into one delightful dish. Packed with ground beef, beans, and melted cheese, this quick meal brings authentic southwestern charm to your dinner table, satisfying hungry crowds with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 (15 ounces) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounces) can corn, drained
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 (10 ounces) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

Additional Components:

• 1 (10 ounces) can enchilada sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8–10 small corn or flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole’s transformation.
2. In a robust skillet, sauté ground beef and onions until the meat turns a rich, caramel-brown color, approximately 5-7 minutes. Eliminate excess grease for a cleaner texture.
3. Infuse the meat with vibrant taco seasoning, then introduce black beans and tomatoes with green chilies. Allow the mixture to meld and simmer briefly.
4. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a thin, silky layer of enchilada sauce to prevent sticking and add flavor depth.
5. Create the first foundation by arranging tortillas across the sauce, slightly overlapping to ensure complete coverage.
6. Generously distribute half the seasoned beef mixture over the tortilla base, then shower with a lavish layer of cheese.
7. Construct a mirror layer using remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and another cheese cascade.
8. Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce, ensuring complete surface coverage.
9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until the top bubbles and cheese transforms into a golden, tempting blanket.
10. Allow a brief cooling period to set the layers, then embellish with dollops of sour cream, scattered black olives, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by selecting mild or spicy taco seasoning to match personal preference.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative.
• Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the beef mixture.
• Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free version that maintains authentic Mexican flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 377 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg