This Easy Mexican Casserole is everything you love about Mexican flavors packed into one delicious, cheesy, and comforting dish. Layers of tender tortillas, seasoned ground beef, black beans, sweet corn, and bold spices make every bite an explosion of flavor. Finished with melty cheese and fresh toppings, this casserole is a surefire way to satisfy your taco cravings in a fun, easy-to-make format. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prepping, this dish comes together in under an hour and can be easily customized to fit your taste. Whether you love extra spice, more veggies, or a little sour cream on top, this casserole is versatile and sure to be a family favorite!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 8 small corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes). Stir in taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, salsa, and enchilada sauce. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the tortilla pieces on the bottom.
- Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Repeat with another layer of tortillas, remaining beef mixture, and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeños.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
Introduction: The Perfect Blend of Flavor and Simplicity
If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy dinner, this Easy Mexican Casserole is your answer. It’s packed with layers of bold Mexican flavors, making it a perfect dish for a family dinner, a potluck, or even meal prepping for the week. This casserole is inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine, incorporating classic ingredients like seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and warm spices. Instead of assembling tacos or enchiladas one by one, this recipe simplifies the process by layering everything in a baking dish and letting the oven do the work. The best part? It takes just 40 minutes from start to finish! Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or someone who just loves good food, this dish will quickly become one of your go-to meals.
The History and Inspiration Behind This Dish
Mexican food is known for its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and comforting ingredients. Traditional Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and tamales have been enjoyed for centuries, with each region of Mexico bringing its own unique touch to these staples. This Mexican casserole is inspired by the flavors of enchiladas and tacos but with an easier, layered preparation. While traditional Mexican cuisine often involves slow cooking meats, roasting peppers, or frying tortillas, this dish brings all the classic flavors into one easy-to-make casserole that still delivers an authentic taste. This recipe is also heavily influenced by Tex-Mex cuisine, which blends traditional Mexican ingredients with American-style comfort food. By using shredded cheese, taco seasoning, and canned enchilada sauce, this casserole simplifies the process while keeping the flavors bold and exciting.
Why This Recipe is the Best
With so many casserole recipes out there, you might be wondering what makes this Easy Mexican Casserole stand out. Here are a few reasons why it’s one of the best comfort food recipes you’ll ever try:
1. Quick and Easy to Make
- This recipe is super simple and requires minimal prep. Just cook the ground beef, mix everything together, layer the ingredients, and bake. It’s ready in 40 minutes!
2. Bold and Delicious Mexican Flavors
- The combination of taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and melted cheese creates a rich, spicy, and savory flavor in every bite.
3. A One-Pan Meal for Busy Days
- Since everything is cooked in one dish, cleanup is a breeze! This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
4. Customizable and Versatile
- This dish is easily customizable to suit your taste and dietary needs. You can swap ground beef for chicken, turkey, or even make it vegetarian by using extra beans and veggies.
5. Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
- This casserole stores well and tastes even better the next day! It’s a fantastic dish for meal prepping, as it can be refrigerated or frozen for later use.
Health Benefits of This Mexican Casserole
While this dish is comfort food, it also provides several nutritional benefits:
- High in protein – The ground beef and beans provide a great source of protein, essential for muscle growth and energy.
- Rich in fiber – Black beans, corn, and tomatoes add dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you full longer.
- Healthy fats – Adding avocado slices or guacamole boosts heart-healthy fats.
- Gluten-free option – By using corn tortillas, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
- Low-carb adaptation – To make it low-carb, swap the corn tortillas for thinly sliced zucchini or cauliflower tortillas.
How to Serve and Enjoy This Dish
One of the best things about this casserole is its versatility. Here are some fun ways to enjoy it:
- Classic Style: Serve hot with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.
- Taco Bowl: Scoop the casserole over shredded lettuce for a taco-inspired salad.
- Breakfast Leftovers: Reheat and serve with a fried egg on top!
- Burrito Filling: Wrap leftovers in a large tortilla with guacamole and salsa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.
4. What are the best toppings for this dish?
Some great toppings include sour cream, diced avocado, fresh lime juice, pickled onions, or extra shredded cheese.
5. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Add extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to turn up the heat.
Conclusion
This Easy Mexican Casserole is one of those meals that will instantly become a family favorite. It’s simple to make, packed with bold Mexican flavors, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or enjoy it as leftovers, this dish never disappoints. With layers of melty cheese, seasoned meat, soft tortillas, and a burst of fresh toppings, every bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. If you love Mexican food, casseroles, and easy one-pan meals, this recipe is a must-try! So grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy this delicious, cheesy, and comforting Mexican-inspired dish today!