This easy Mexican dinner casserole is the perfect mix of flavor and comfort. It’s cheesy, zesty, and packed with beef, beans, and corn tortillas. If you love simple meals with bold taste, this dish will be your new favorite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It’s a one pan meal that saves time and cleanup.
- It’s full of bold Mexican flavor and creamy texture.
- It’s perfect for busy nights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
- Ground beef : adds rich flavor and hearty texture
- Onion : gives a sweet and savory base
- Garlic : adds warm depth to the sauce
- Taco seasoning : brings classic Mexican spice
- Black beans : adds fiber and creamy bite
- Corn : gives a touch of sweetness and crunch
- Diced tomatoes : adds tang and juiciness
- Corn tortillas : layers to hold the casserole together
- Cheddar cheese : melts into a gooey, golden top
- Sour cream : adds creamy cool contrast when served
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Grease a large baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Layer half the corn tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon half of the beef mixture on top, then sprinkle cheese.
- Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving with sour cream and fresh cilantro.
Mistakes To Avoid
When making this easy Mexican dinner casserole, a few small mistakes can affect the final taste.
- Do not skip draining the beef. Too much grease can make the dish soggy.
- Avoid overbaking. It can dry out the cheese and tortillas.
- Do not overload with liquid ingredients or the layers may turn mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad or a scoop of guacamole for a full fiesta feel. It pairs beautifully with dishes like broccoli and rice casserole with chicken or creamy pasta like Italian chicken recipe. You can also try topping it with crushed corn chips for that fun Frito taco casserole crunch. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat until warm and melty.
Easy Mexican Dinner Casserole
Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn
- 1 can diced tomatoes drained
- 8 corn tortillas cut into quarters
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- sour cream for serving
- fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Layer half the corn tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon half of the beef mixture on top, then sprinkle cheese.
- Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving with sour cream and fresh cilantro.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can. Swap ground beef for cooked shredded chicken for a lighter twist. It still tastes great and fits well with the easy casserole recipes you love. Add a bit of taco seasoning to keep that bold flavor alive. Chicken also blends nicely with beans and cheese, making it an easy family favorite.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble this easy Mexican dinner casserole the night before. Cover it and store in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Then bake as usual. This is perfect for busy days or when planning your main dish recipes ahead of time.
What toppings work best?
Fresh toppings make a big difference. Add diced avocado, sour cream, or salsa for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle crushed tortilla chips for a Walking Taco Casserole style. A few jalapeño slices bring heat, while chopped cilantro adds color and freshness. Each bite becomes a fiesta Mexicana.
Conclusion
This easy Mexican dinner casserole brings all the joy of authentic Mexican food recipes to your table with almost no effort. It’s simple, creamy, and bursting with spice. Perfect for weeknights or family gatherings, it’s a dish you’ll make again and again. Save or pin this recipe today and bring a little fiesta to your kitchen!
