Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is easy to assemble and packed with rich, comforting flavors. It’s great for feeding a crowd, customizable with your favorite ingredients, and perfect for meal prep. The layers of cheese, spices, and hearty fillings make every bite delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beef or chicken
tortillas or cooked rice
black beans
corn
tomato sauce or salsa
onion
garlic
cheddar cheese
cumin
chili powder
paprika
salt
black pepper
olive oil
optional sour cream and fresh cilantro
Directions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Add ground beef or chicken and cook until browned.
Stir in black beans, corn, tomato sauce or salsa, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
In a greased baking dish, layer tortillas or rice on the bottom.
Add a layer of the meat and bean mixture.
Sprinkle cheese on top.
Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve with sour cream and fresh cilantro if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6–8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: about 50 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
Make it vegetarian by using beans and vegetables only.
Add jalapeños for extra heat.
Use enchilada sauce instead of tomato sauce.
Top with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it ahead and bake when ready.
Can I freeze Mexican casserole?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend works well.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes, add chili flakes or jalapeños.
Do I need to use tortillas?
No, you can use rice instead.
Can I use canned beans?
Yes, canned beans work perfectly.
How do I prevent it from being dry?
Use enough sauce and cover while baking.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach are great additions.
What should I serve with it?
Serve with salad, rice, or guacamole.
How long should it rest before serving?
About 5–10 minutes.
Conclusion
Mexican casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its rich layers and bold spices, it’s a satisfying meal that can be customized to suit your taste.
PrintMexican Casserole
A bold and hearty Mexican casserole layered with seasoned meat, beans, cheese, and tortillas or rice. This flavorful baked dish is perfect for sharing and packed with comforting spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or chicken
- 2 cups tortillas or cooked rice
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce or salsa
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: sour cream and fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add ground beef or chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in black beans, corn, tomato sauce or salsa, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Let mixture simmer for a few minutes.
- In a greased baking dish, layer tortillas or rice on the bottom.
- Add a layer of the meat and bean mixture.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Repeat layers, finishing with cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with sour cream and cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Make it vegetarian with beans and vegetables only.
- Add jalapeños or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Use enchilada sauce for deeper flavor.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
