This Mexican casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. I love making this recipe because it combines all my favorite Mexican flavors into one hearty, satisfying dish. It’s loaded with seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and corn, making it a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults enjoy. Plus, it comes together quickly and feeds a crowd!
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Serving Size: 6-8 servings
Why You’ll Love It
I absolutely love this Mexican casserole because it checks all the boxes for a perfect family dinner:
- Easy to Make: Uses simple pantry staples that you likely already have on hand
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors appeal to the whole family, but you can spice it up for adults
- Great for Meal Prep: Makes excellent leftovers and freezes beautifully
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
- 1 envelope taco seasoning
- 1 (16-ounce) jar salsa
- 1 can chili beans, undrained
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 (2.25-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
- 1 cup green onions, sliced (divided)
- 1 cup fresh tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until browned and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Sauce
Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa. Reduce heat and simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 8-10 minutes. Add the chili beans and corn, cooking until heated through.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Arrange 6 tortillas in the bottom of your prepared baking dish, overlapping as needed. Spoon half of the meat mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with half of the cheese. Repeat with remaining tortillas and meat mixture.
Step 5: Add Final Toppings
Spread the sour cream evenly over the top layer. Sprinkle with black olives, half of the green onions, and chopped tomatoes. Top with the remaining cheese.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until hot, bubbly, and cheese is melted.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with cilantro and remaining green onions before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious on its own, but I like to serve it with:
- Fresh guacamole and tortilla chips
- A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette
- Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Warm flour tortillas for scooping
- Pickled jalapeños for extra heat
Tips for Customization
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is:
- Make it Spicier: Add jalapeños, use spicy salsa, or include a dash of hot sauce
- Protein Swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version
- Cheese Variations: Try pepper jack for heat or a four-cheese Mexican blend
- Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms work great
- Make it Healthier: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and add more vegetables
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 450-520
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold.
Can I freeze Mexican casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well for up to 6 months. You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days in an airtight container. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole covered in a 350°F oven.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas, though corn tortillas are more traditional and hold up better during baking. If using flour tortillas, cut them into quarters before layering.
What if I don’t like beans?
You can omit the beans entirely or substitute with more corn, diced bell peppers, or additional meat. The casserole will still be delicious and hearty.
(https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/20680/easy-mexican-casserole/)
(https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/25145/mexican-casserole/)
(https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-mexican-casserole-recipes/)
(https://patijinich.com/makeitfreezeittakeitthemexicancasserole/)
(https://www.gonnawantseconds.com/mexican-casserole-recipe/)
(https://www.jodyyarborough.com/blog/mexican-casserole-recipe)
(https://www.wellplated.com/mexican-casserole/)
(https://pinchofyum.com/healthy-mexican-casserole-roasted-corn-peppers)
(https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CcPF1c_qTBg)
