Mexican Casserole

The layers of this Mexican casserole come together like a warm hug on a cold day. Each bite brings a delightful balance of seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, and melted cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas. The flavors meld together so perfectly that you almost forget how simple it is to make. The crispy edges of the tortillas provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy center. It’s comfort food at its finest—one of those dishes that makes you feel right at home, no matter where you are.

There’s something magical about how the cheese melts into every nook and cranny, creating little pockets of gooey goodness. You can’t help but sneak a spoonful before it even fully cools, just to savor that perfect bite. And the best part? You can easily customize this casserole to suit your mood or what’s in your pantry. Want more spice? Toss in some jalapeños or chili powder. Prefer a veggie-packed version? Add in some bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra flavor and texture. The beauty of this casserole is that it’s forgiving, and you can really make it your own.

Key Ingredients in Mexican Casserole

Each ingredient in this casserole plays a pivotal role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the hearty, seasoned ground beef to the creamy, cheesy finish, these key ingredients work together to create a dish that’s both comforting and versatile. Here’s a closer look at what each one brings to the table:

Ground Beef
The foundation of this casserole, ground beef provides a savory, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices and other ingredients. It’s the heart of the dish, offering a meaty, filling texture.

Onion
Chopped onion adds a subtle sweetness and savory depth. As it cooks with the beef, it softens and caramelizes, infusing the dish with that irresistible, aromatic base.

Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
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These tomatoes bring a juicy, tangy burst of flavor, with the green chilies adding a mild heat and extra layer of complexity to the sauce. It’s the perfect balance of brightness and spice.

Black Beans
Black beans contribute both texture and protein, giving the casserole an extra heartiness. They soak up the seasonings beautifully, making each bite satisfying and filling.

Corn
Sweet corn adds a pop of color and a slight sweetness that balances out the savory elements. It also brings a tender crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy cheese.

Green Chilies
These add a mild heat and a slightly smoky flavor, enhancing the overall spice level of the casserole without overwhelming the dish.

Cream Cheese
Cream cheese melts into the casserole, creating a rich, velvety layer that binds the ingredients together. It adds a creamy tang that perfectly complements the heat from the chilies and spices.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese
This cheese brings a rich, sharp flavor and melts beautifully into every bite, creating gooey, cheesy pockets that are the heart and soul of this dish.

Sour Cream
Sour cream adds a tangy, creamy element that balances out the richness of the cheese and beef. It’s a cool contrast to the warm, spiced casserole.

Flour Tortillas
The tortillas form the structure of the casserole, providing layers of softness and a satisfying bite. When baked, they become slightly crispy around the edges, adding texture to the dish.

Garlic Powder
Garlic powder infuses the casserole with a subtle, savory garlic flavor. It’s one of those ingredients that you might not notice right away, but you’ll definitely miss if it’s left out.

Chili Powder
This spice brings a mild, smoky heat that enhances the savory flavors of the beef and beans, creating a warm, comforting base for the casserole.

Cumin
Cumin adds an earthy, warm undertone that’s essential to the flavor profile of this dish. It gives the casserole its signature “Mexican” flavor that makes it so crave-worthy.

Paprika
Paprika provides a touch of sweetness and smokiness, rounding out the spices and contributing to the deep, rich color of the casserole.

Salt
Salt is the flavor enhancer, helping to bring out the natural tastes of all the ingredients and making every bite more flavorful.

Black Pepper
Blackpepper adds a gentle heat and complexity, rounding out the seasoning mix and giving the casserole a well-balanced flavor profile.

How to Make Mexican Casserole

Serving Suggestions for Mexican Casserole

1. Top with Fresh Garnishes
After you pull that casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a bit (I know, it’s tempting!), don’t forget to add some fresh touches. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a few slices of avocado will brighten up each bite. The freshness of the herbs and the creamy avocado contrast so wonderfully with the rich, cheesy layers.

2. Pair with a Side of Mexican Rice
The casserole itself is already hearty, but adding a side of fluffy Mexican rice takes it to the next level. The rice soaks up all those savory flavors and gives you that perfect balance of textures. Plus, the bright color of the rice adds a fun pop to your plate.

3. Serve with a Crunchy Salad
A crisp, refreshing salad is the perfect companion to cut through the richness of the casserole. Try a simple slaw with cabbage, radishes, and a light vinaigrette, or go for a more traditional Mexican salad with romaine, tomatoes, and a tangy lime dressing. That crunch will provide a lovely contrast to the softness of the casserole!

How to Store Mexican Casserole

Storing leftover Mexican casserole is easy, and the good news is that it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. To keep it fresh, let the casserole cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent any moisture from building up, which could make the tortillas soggy. Once cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you’re looking to freeze some for later, simply transfer the casserole to a freezer-safe dish before baking, or freeze it after it’s been baked and cooled. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat it, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You’ll get all that melty cheese goodness back, and the layers will still hold their texture.

For a quick reheat, individual portions can be microwaved in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s strength. A little splash of water or a damp paper towel over the top will help keep the casserole from drying out. No matter how you choose to store it, this casserole remains a comforting, easy meal anytime you need it.

Conclusion

And there you have it, my friends—this Mexican casserole is all about layers of love and flavor. From the savory ground beef and melty cheese to the tangy sour cream and crispy tortillas, every bite is pure comfort food heaven. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a get-together, or simply because you’re craving something cozy and satisfying, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little journey into casserole perfection as much as I have! Don’t forget, this recipe is so adaptable—you can play with the ingredients and make it your own. The options are endless, and I’d love to hear how it turns out when you make it! Feel free to leave any comments, questions, or feedback below. I’m here to help if you need a hand with anything or just want to share your thoughts. Can’t wait to hear all about your delicious creations!

Print Recipe

Mexican Casserole

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Calories: 550

Description

This Mexican Casserole layers savory seasoned beef, beans, and cheese, all tucked inside a zesty tortilla base. Topped with crispy edges and a burst of flavors from salsa and spices, it’s a hearty, comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

• 1 can (4 oz) green chilies

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 package (10 oz) flour tortillas

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon paprika

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Once the beef is browned and fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
5. Stir in the garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
6. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and green chilies to the skillet.
7. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
8. While the beef mixture simmers, cut the cream cheese into cubes and set it aside.
9. In a separate small saucepan over low heat, melt the cream cheese, stirring constantly until smooth and fully melted.
10. Once the cream cheese is melted, pour it into the beef mixture and stir until the mixture is creamy and well-combined.
11. Set the beef mixture aside to cool for a few minutes.
12. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
13. Place a layer of flour tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish, slightly overlapping them to cover the entire surface.
14. Spread half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas in the baking dish.
15. Top the beef mixture with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
16. Add another layer of flour tortillas over the cheese.
17. Spread the remaining beef mixture over the tortillas.
18. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
19. Spoon the sour cream over the top of the casserole in small dollops.
20. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
21. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Note

• For a spicier dish, add extra diced green chilies or a chopped jalapeno to the beef mixture.
• You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• To make it gluten-free, swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas.
• For added crunch, top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips before baking.
• Feel free to add a layer of black olives or sliced green onions for extra flavor and texture.

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