Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight hero—the easy Mexican casserole! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, bursting with flavor and so simple to whip up. I remember the first time I made it; I had friends over and wanted to impress them without spending all day in the kitchen. I layered up those rich, savory ingredients, and when it came out of the oven, the smell was irresistible! The gooey cheese, the spiced meat, and the crispy tortillas all come together to create something truly special. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll become a go-to in your house too!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef, crumbled and cooked
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 cups shredded cheese (I love using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack!)
- 1 package taco seasoning (about 1 oz, for that perfect kick!)
- 8 corn tortillas, cut into quarters (don’t worry about them being perfect!)
- 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to getting that lovely bubbly cheese on top!
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned—about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up as it cooks for even browning.
- Once the beef is cooked, stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Mix everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so those flavors can really meld.
- Now, grab a baking dish and layer half of the tortilla quarters on the bottom. You want a nice base for all that deliciousness!
- Spoon half of the seasoned meat mixture over the tortillas, then drizzle half of the salsa and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, meat mixture, salsa, and cheese. You’ll end up with a beautiful, hearty stack!
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick to prepare—perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Delicious layers of flavor with every bite, thanks to the combination of seasoned beef, beans, and gooey cheese.
- Versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or spice levels.
- Great for meal prep; make it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
- It’s a one-dish wonder, which means less cleanup for you after a hearty meal.
- This casserole is sure to please the whole family, including picky eaters!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day, making lunch a breeze.
Tips for Success
To truly nail this easy Mexican casserole, here are my top tips! First, don’t skimp on the cheese—use a good quality blend for that melty goodness everyone loves. If you want to lighten it up, ground turkey or chicken works just as well as beef. And remember, you can sneak in some veggies! Chopped bell peppers or spinach add color and nutrition without altering the delicious flavor.
Also, feel free to play around with the salsa; if you like it spicy, try a chipotle salsa for a smoky kick! And if you want to make this ahead, assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat, and you’ll have a fabulous meal in no time!
Variations
One of the best things about this easy Mexican casserole is how adaptable it is! If you’re in the mood for something different, why not switch up the protein? Ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded beef are all great alternatives. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or plant-based meat crumbles instead of beef—trust me, it’s just as satisfying!
Don’t forget about the veggies! You can toss in some diced zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach to give it a nutritional boost. Feeling adventurous? Add some jalapeños for a spicy kick or sprinkle in some taco-style seasoning for extra flavor. And if you want to change the cheese game, go for pepper jack or even a crumbly queso fresco on top. The possibilities are endless, and every variation brings something new to the table!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this easy Mexican casserole, I love to keep it simple and fresh! A side of crisp, zesty Mexican street corn salad complements the flavors perfectly with its sweet corn, lime, and chili powder. If you’re in the mood for something light, a green salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette works wonders too.
Don’t forget the toppings! A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can elevate each bite. You could even add some sliced jalapeños for those who crave a bit of heat. Trust me, these little extras make all the difference!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your easy Mexican casserole is a breeze! Once it’s cooled down, just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy those delicious leftovers throughout the week. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it too! Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn, and it should last for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to dig in again, simply thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge if it’s frozen. To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick snack—just be sure to cover it to avoid splatters! Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite again!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this easy Mexican casserole! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. But here’s a breakdown to give you an idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- sugars: 2g
- Protein: 20g
This casserole not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a good balance of protein and fiber, making it a hearty option for dinner. Enjoy knowing you’re digging into something delicious and nutritious!
FAQ Section
Can I make this easy Mexican casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven and it’ll be just as delicious!
Can I use different proteins?
Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded beef work wonderfully in this easy Mexican casserole. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or meat substitutes. They’ll absorb all those yummy flavors!
What if I don’t have corn tortillas?
No worries! You can substitute with flour tortillas or even tortilla chips for a different texture. Just adjust the layering accordingly!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use an airtight container. It should last about 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up in the oven.
How spicy is this casserole?
The spice level is totally customizable! The taco seasoning gives it a nice kick, but you can adjust it by using mild salsa or less seasoning if you prefer it on the milder side. Feel free to add jalapeños for an extra heat boost!
Easy Mexican Casserole: 7 Flavorful Layers to Savor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious Mexican casserole that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 8 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 1 cup salsa
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Mix well.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the tortilla quarters on the bottom.
- Spoon half of the meat mixture over the tortillas.
- Add half of the salsa and half of the cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, meat mixture, salsa, and cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Top with sour cream or avocado for extra flavor.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: easy mexican casserole
