Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal packed with bold flavors, look no further than this Easy Mexican Casserole. It’s a hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, tortillas, and plenty of cheese, all baked together for a comforting, cheesy casserole that's bursting with Tex-Mex flavors. Whether you're making dinner for your family or prepping for a potluck, this Mexican casserole will quickly become a favorite. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry.

In this article, we'll guide you step by step through the ingredients, preparation, and tips for making this easy, crowd-pleasing meal. Let's get started!

What Is an Easy Mexican Casserole?

Easy Mexican Casserole is a layered dish that brings together classic Mexican flavors, including ground beef (or another protein), beans, cheese, and tortillas. It's a versatile and adaptable recipe that you can layer with your favorite Mexican ingredients—think salsa, corn, black beans, and plenty of gooey melted cheese. Similar to a Tex-Mex lasagna, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights because it’s easy to assemble and bakes in under 30 minutes. Plus, it can be prepared ahead of time or even frozen for later use.

Ingredients List for Easy Mexican Casserole

Here's what you'll need to make this delicious and easy Mexican casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce (red or green, based on preference)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend, divided)
• 8-10 small corn or flour tortillas, cut into quarters
• ½ cup sour cream (optional)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup salsa (optional, for more flavor)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients make a casserole that serves about 6 people. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—feel free to make swaps or additions based on what you have in your kitchen.

Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is incredibly adaptable, so here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a vegetarian option like crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground beef alternative.
• Tortillas: Corn tortillas are classic in Mexican casseroles, but you can also use flour tortillas or even tortilla chips for extra crunch.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese works great, but you can use any cheese you prefer, like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Beans: Black beans are traditional, but you can use pinto beans, kidney beans, or a mix of different beans.
• Toppings: Top your casserole with extras like sour cream, guacamole, diced avocado, jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or sliced black olives.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add extra veggies like diced bell peppers, chopped zucchini, or fresh spinach for added nutrition.
• Spices: If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, extra chili powder, or use spicy enchilada sauce or salsa.

You can easily personalize this recipe to match your taste or dietary needs, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you've gathered all your ingredients, here’s how to make your Easy Mexican Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or a little bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent.

Next, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Once the beef is fully cooked, stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies (do not drain). Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until well combined.

Step 4: Add Beans and Corn

Next, stir in the black beans and corn. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the beans and corn are heated through. Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Now, it’s time to start assembling your casserole. In the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spread a small amount of enchilada sauce (just enough to coat the bottom). Then, layer the following:

1. A layer of tortilla quarters (or halves, enough to cover the bottom).
2. Spoon a layer of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas.
3. Drizzle with a little more enchilada sauce and sprinkle with a layer of shredded cheese.

Repeat these layers (tortillas, meat mixture, enchilada sauce, and cheese) until all of your ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.

How to Cook Easy Mexican Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick breakdown of the essential steps for making Easy Mexican Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven and cook the ground beef with onions.
2. Add taco seasoning, tomatoes, beans, and corn.
3. Layer tortillas, beef mixture, cheese, and enchilada sauce in a casserole dish.
4. Bake until bubbly and golden, then let it rest before serving.

This easy-to-follow guide ensures that your casserole turns out perfectly every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this is a simple recipe, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Not Draining the Beef: Be sure to drain any excess grease from the cooked ground beef, otherwise your casserole could become greasy.
2. Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the casserole. Once the cheese is bubbly and golden, it’s done!
3. Too Much Liquid: If your casserole turns out too watery, it might be due to the tomatoes. Be sure to drain some of the excess liquid from the tomatoes and beans before adding them to the meat mixture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make your Easy Mexican Casserole even more inviting, consider these presentation and serving ideas:

• Garnish: Top each slice with a dollop of sour cream, some chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.
• Serve with Sides: Pair your casserole with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a complete meal.
• Add Guacamole: Serve the casserole with a side of guacamole or salsa for added flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Easy Mexican Casserole

For a festive presentation, serve the casserole in colorful Mexican-style dishes or bowls. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or sliced avocado on top to give it an extra pop of color.

Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake it when you're ready to serve.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Assemble the casserole without baking it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well in this casserole and can make it a bit lighter in terms of calories.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the meat and add extra beans (like pinto or kidney beans) or even sautéed veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and check that your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are gluten-free.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Assemble the dish as directed, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.

Conclusion

This Easy Mexican Casserole is a fantastic option when you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare. With simple ingredients like ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese, this layered casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week ahead. It’s also incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with the ingredients to make it your own. Serve it with your favorite toppings and sides, and enjoy a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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