Mexican Casserole

This Mexican casserole is one of my favorite weeknight dinners—hearty, cheesy, and packed with bold, comforting flavors. It layers seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, tortillas, and plenty of melty cheese into one bubbling, irresistible dish. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and always a hit at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this casserole because it takes all the best parts of tacos or enchiladas and bakes them into one warm, cheesy dish. It’s a great make-ahead meal, feeds a crowd, and tastes just as good the next day. I can also tweak it easily depending on what I have in the kitchen—it’s one of those flexible recipes I keep coming back to.

Ingredients

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

• Ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)

• Onion, chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Taco seasoning

• Black beans, drained and rinsed

• Corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)

• Salsa or enchilada sauce

• Corn tortillas or tortilla chips

• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

• Olive oil or cooking spray

• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, green onions

Directions

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

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and cook the onion until softened. I add the garlic and cook for another minute.

3. I add the ground beef and cook until browned, then stir in taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa or enchilada sauce. I simmer for 5–7 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.

4. I layer half of the tortillas (or a layer of crushed chips) on the bottom of the baking dish.

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

6. I repeat the layers, ending with cheese on top.

7. I cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. I let it rest for a few minutes before serving, then top it with whatever toppings I feel like adding.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30–35 minutes to bake, so I can have it ready in under an hour.

Variations

Sometimes I use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef or add cooked rice to stretch the filling. I’ve also layered in sautéed peppers or zucchini for extra veggies. When I want it spicier, I mix in diced green chiles or hot salsa. For a breakfast version, I add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage instead of ground beef.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven. I also freeze portions—once cooled—for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to bake, I just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s still cold.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, I’ve used flour tortillas and it works fine. Corn gives a more traditional texture and flavor, but both taste great.

Is it spicy?

It depends on the salsa or enchilada sauce I use. For a milder dish, I stick to mild salsa. I add jalapeños or hot sauce if I want more heat.

What sides go well with this casserole?

I usually serve it with a green salad, guacamole, or Spanish rice. Chips and salsa or a simple slaw also go great with it.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. I leave out the meat and add extra beans, rice, or veggies. It’s just as hearty and flavorful.

Conclusion

Mexican casserole is a bold, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy nights or when I want something crowd-pleasing and easy to throw together. With layers of seasoned meat, tortillas, beans, and gooey cheese, it’s a no-fuss recipe that brings all the best Mexican flavors to one delicious bake. Whether I’m meal prepping, feeding family, or just craving comfort food, this casserole always hits the spot.