A Mexican Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish made with layers of seasoned meat, beans, cheese, tortillas, and a variety of savory ingredients, all baked together into a comforting, one-dish meal. It’s versatile and can be customized with your favorite toppings or fillings like ground beef, chicken, or even vegetarian options. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for a Mexican Casserole that’s sure to be a hit.
Mexican Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner version)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning — see below)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (or pinto beans)
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (red or green)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional for extra flavor)
- 8-10 corn tortillas (or flour tortillas, if preferred)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Chopped green onions, optional (for garnish)
Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional):
If you’d like to skip the store-bought taco seasoning, you can easily make your own with these ingredients:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat:
- In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning mix) and 1/4 cup of water. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the seasoning is well incorporated.
2. Prepare the Casserole Base:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish (9×13 inches works well), spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Layer 1: Place 2-3 tortillas on top of the sauce. You may need to tear them into pieces to cover the bottom evenly.
- Layer 2: Spread half of the ground beef mixture on top of the tortillas, followed by half of the black beans, diced tomatoes (if using), and 1/3 of the cheese (either cheddar or Monterey Jack).
- Layer 3: Add another layer of tortillas, then top with the remaining beef mixture, beans, tomatoes, and another 1/3 of the cheese.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
- For the top layer, add the final layer of tortillas, and pour the remaining enchilada sauce over them. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
4. Bake:
- Cover the casserole with foil (to prevent the cheese from burning) and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
5. Serve:
- Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and a dollop of sour cream on top. You can also add chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Optional Add-ins and Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and use more beans (like black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans) and vegetables (like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini) for a meatless version.
- Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or a few tablespoons of salsa verde to the meat mixture or top it off with extra hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Toppings: Add guacamole, sliced avocado, or salsa as extra toppings.
- Make it Lower Carb: Use low-carb tortillas or skip the tortillas altogether and use layers of zucchini or other vegetables instead.
Storage:
- Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
- Freezing: You can freeze this casserole before baking. Assemble it in a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 20-30 minutes to the baking time, covered with foil, then uncover for the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
This Mexican casserole pairs wonderfully with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad on the side. It’s an easy and satisfying dish for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.
Enjoy your Mexican Casserole — it’s the perfect comfort food with a deliciously bold flavor!
