The Best Cheesy Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Whipping up an easy mexican casserole brings comfort and zest right to your dinner table.

Layers of cheesy goodness combine with hearty ingredients that spark excitement for a quick meal.

Weeknight dinners can feel magical when simple techniques create something so delicious.

Busy cooks appreciate recipes that deliver maximum flavor without complicated steps.

Spices and fresh components dance together, creating a dish everyone will love.

Minimal prep work means you can relax while this casserole works its culinary charm.

Serving Easy Mexican Casserole

• Fresh Fiesta Topping Parade: Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños for a vibrant color burst and zesty flavor kick.
• Cool Cream Companion: Dollop generous swirls of sour cream or tangy Mexican crema on top to balance the casserole's warm, spicy notes.
• Sidekick Sensations: Pair with Mexican rice, crisp green salad, or warm cornbread to create a complete, satisfying meal that will delight dinner guests.
• Crunch Factor Bonus: Add crushed tortilla chips or crispy tortilla strips right before serving to introduce a delightful textural contrast to the soft casserole layers.

Storing Easy Mexican Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Add fresh cheese on top for extra melty goodness.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole and provides similar flavor and texture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use corn tortillas and check that your taco seasoning and salsa are certified gluten-free.

• How spicy is this Mexican casserole?

The spice level depends on your salsa choice. Use mild salsa for less heat or opt for medium or hot salsa if you prefer more kick.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Easy Mexican Casserole That’s Ready Fast

• Customize Your Feast: Mix and match ingredients like different meats, beans, or cheese to suit your family's taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile and adaptable.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults alike will love the bold, zesty taste of this one-pan meal that combines familiar ingredients in an exciting, crowd-pleasing dish.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Using just one baking dish means less washing up, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and spend with loved ones after dinner.

Ingredients for Easy Mexican Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the casserole's savory filling.
• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas create layers and provide structure to the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds creaminess and a melty, golden top to the dish.

• Taco Seasoning, Salsa, Black Beans: Bring bold Mexican-inspired flavors and additional texture to the casserole.
• Onion, Garlic: Provide a aromatic base that deepens the overall taste of the meat mixture.

• Sour Cream, Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh additions that add brightness, creaminess, and a pop of color to the finished dish.

How to Bake Easy Mexican Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

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

Step 2: Sizzle the Protein

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

• Zesty taco seasoning
• Black beans
• Vibrant salsa

Stir everything together until the mixture is super fragrant and well combined.

Step 3: Create Delicious Layers

Grab a baking dish and start building your flavor masterpiece.

• Soft tortillas
• Spiced beef mixture
• Generous handfuls of shredded cheese

Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients, ending with a cheesy top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and let it bubble and brown for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and looks irresistibly golden.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out the casserole and let it rest for a moment.

• Cool sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro

Dig in and savor every delicious bite of this Mexican-inspired comfort food!

Pro Tips for Easy Mexican Casserole

• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier protein option that still packs incredible flavor.
• Overlap tortillas slightly when creating layers to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of ingredients and prevents dry spots in the casserole.
• Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat and depth of flavor that'll make this dish more exciting.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make cutting and serving easier without losing melty goodness.
• Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve – perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Variations on Easy Mexican Casserole

• Vegetarian Powerhouse: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or black beans for a protein-packed meat-free version that maintains the rich Mexican flavors.
• Gluten-Free Fiesta: Swap regular tortillas with corn tortillas and ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free for a celiac-friendly meal that doesn't compromise taste.
• Spicy Chicken Swap: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef and add jalapeños for an extra kick of heat and different protein profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Creation: Substitute tortillas with cauliflower rice layers to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the casserole's delicious essence intact.

Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican Casserole brings zesty flavors from south of the border, combining spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and crisp tortilla chips. Layers of comforting ingredients create a quick dinner that will satisfy hungry families craving bold southwestern cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Starches and Beans:

• 4 tortillas
• 1 cup black beans
• 1 cup corn (optional)

Flavor and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
• 1/2 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional for topping)
• 2 tablespoons green onions or cilantro (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for the casserole assembly.
2. In a skillet, brown ground beef with onions and garlic, creating a fragrant base for the dish.
3. Enhance the meat mixture by stirring in taco seasoning, black beans, and salsa, blending flavors thoroughly.
4. Create layers in a baking dish, alternating between crisp tortillas, seasoned beef mixture, and generous sprinkles of shredded cheese.
5. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, ensuring an even distribution of components.
6. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to settle.
8. Serve hot, adorned with a dollop of cool sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh green onions or cilantro for added brightness and flavor.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or shredded jackfruit for a vegetarian version that keeps all the zesty Mexican flavors.
• Use whole wheat or corn tortillas to boost nutritional value and create a gluten-free alternative for sensitive diets.
• Control spice levels by selecting mild salsa or adding fresh jalapeños for extra heat, making the casserole adaptable to different taste preferences.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble quickly for a convenient weeknight meal that satisfies comfort food cravings with minimal kitchen effort.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg