Easy Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Layers of comfort and zest dance together in this mouthwatering Mexican tortilla casserole that promises to steal the show at your dinner table.

Spicy, cheesy, and packed with vibrant flavors, this dish brings the soul of Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen.

Melted cheese cascades between soft tortillas, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Ground beef sizzles with aromatic spices, turning each bite into a fiesta of satisfaction.

Colorful bell peppers and onions add a fresh crunch that cuts through the rich, hearty layers.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this casserole transforms weeknight dinners into a celebration of bold, Mexican-inspired flavors.

Dig in and let your taste buds embark on a delicious adventure.

What Makes Tortilla Casserole So Easy

• Unlock Flavor Fusion: Discover why this Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a game-changer for home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Pack multiple flavor profiles into one dish that satisfies different taste preferences, ensuring everyone from kids to adults will find something to love about this hearty meal.
• Customization Champion: Easily swap ingredients like ground beef for chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives, allowing flexible meal preparation that adapts to dietary needs and preferences without compromising taste.

What’s in Mexican Tortilla Casserole

• Ground Beef: Lean and flavorful meat for a hearty base.
• Taco Seasoning Mix: Zesty spice blend that adds Mexican-style flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melty and sharp cheese that adds richness.
• Sour Cream: Cool and creamy topping for extra tang.

• Tortillas: Soft and flexible corn or flour wraps.
• Rice: Fluffy and filling grain for substance.

• Refried Beans: Creamy and smooth bean spread.
• Onion: Sweet and aromatic vegetable for depth.
• Corn: Sweet and juicy vegetable with great texture.
• Salsa: Tangy and fresh tomato-based sauce.
• Lettuce: Crisp and fresh green topping.

• Diced Onion: Fresh and crunchy topping.

Steps to Make Mexican Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Onions

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until it starts to sizzle.

Toss in the diced onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent.

Drain any extra grease.

Sprinkle in taco seasoning and mix well.

Step 3: Create the Base Layer

Lay down the first tortilla like a delicious foundation.

Spread a generous layer of refried beans across the tortilla.

Add a hearty portion of the seasoned beef mixture.

Shower the top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Build the Middle Layer

Place another tortilla on top.

Spread rice across the surface.

Pour salsa evenly over the rice.

Scatter corn kernels across the layer.

Add another blanket of shredded cheese.

Step 5: Construct the Next Layer

Add another tortilla to the tower.

Spread more refried beans and beef mixture.

Sprinkle another round of cheese.

Step 6: Crown the Casserole

Top with the final tortilla.

Spread the remaining refried beans and beef.

Scatter the last of the corn and rice.

Drizzle the remaining salsa and finish with a final cheese shower.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Slide into the oven and bake for 40 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for 5 minutes.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

If you’re feeling fancy, top with sour cream, diced onions, or shredded lettuce.

Tips for Crispy Tortilla Layers

• Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors and drain excess fat for a lighter dish.
• Press each tortilla layer gently to ensure even distribution of ingredients and prevent air pockets.
• Sprinkle cheese in moderate amounts to prevent excessive greasiness and achieve a golden, bubbly top.
• Let casserole rest 5 minutes after baking to help layers firm up and make cutting easier.
• Substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options, and use low-fat cheese for reduced-calorie version.

Save and Heat Tortilla Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best quality and food safety.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Cut portion into individual servings. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let stand for 1 minute before serving to distribute heat evenly.

Best Sides for Tortilla Casserole

• Spice Up Your Plate: Mexican Tortilla Casserole Pairings
• Tangy Margarita Mixer: Blend a classic lime margarita with fresh tequila to complement the casserole's robust Mexican flavors. The citrusy kick cuts through the rich, cheesy layers and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Cool Cucumber Slaw: Whip up a crisp, refreshing cucumber and cilantro slaw as a side dish. Its light, zesty crunch provides a perfect contrast to the warm, hearty casserole, balancing the meal's intensity.
• Mexican Beer Companion: Grab a cold Corona or Modelo Especial with a lime wedge. The light, crisp beer cuts through the casserole's richness and echoes the dish's authentic Mexican spirit, creating a harmonious dining experience.
• Fresh Avocado Salad: Prepare a simple salad with ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, and red onion dressed in lime juice. This creamy, bright side adds freshness and helps temper the casserole's rich, spicy profile.

Mexican Casserole Variations

• Vegetarian Mexican Bean Casserole: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based meat crumbles for a protein-packed meatless version. Perfect for vegetarians seeking a hearty meal.
• Gluten-Free Corn Tortilla Option: Swap wheat tortillas with corn tortillas and ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free. Ideal for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Adaptation: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content. Great for those following ketogenic or low-carbohydrate dietary plans.
• Dairy-Free Mexican Casserole: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds. Excellent for lactose-intolerant individuals or those following a vegan lifestyle.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients needed for this Mexican Tortilla Casserole?

Ground beef, tortillas, refried beans, salsa, rice, corn, cheddar cheese, and taco seasoning are the essential ingredients. Each component adds flavor and texture to create a delicious layered dish.

• Can I make this casserole with chicken or vegetarian options?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with shredded chicken or use black beans and plant-based protein for a vegetarian version. The layering technique remains the same, ensuring a tasty meal.

• How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy?

Use well-drained corn and salsa to reduce excess moisture. Also, ensure you don’t overload the layers with liquid ingredients. The foil cover during initial baking helps maintain the right consistency.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this casserole reheats well and can be prepared in advance. You can assemble it earlier in the day and bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals ahead of time.

Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Dive into a flavor-packed Mexican tortilla casserole that layers spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and crisp tortillas into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Comfort meets excitement in this hearty dish that promises to satisfy your craving for bold, zesty Mexican-inspired cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Flavor:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 pack taco seasoning mix

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables, Beans, and Corn:

• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 can refried beans
• 1 can Mexican blend corn, drained
• 8 ounces (8 oz) thick chunky salsa, mild or hot

Starch and Base:

• 1 cup prepared minute rice
• 4–5 large flour tortillas

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking vessel by lightly coating a round baking dish with non-stick spray. Position the oven rack to ensure even heating at 350°F.
2. Transform ground beef into a savory foundation by browning it in a skillet. Introduce diced onions and cook until they become translucent and the meat loses its raw appearance. Eliminate excess grease and infuse the mixture with zesty taco seasoning.
3. Construct the first architectural layer by placing a tortilla as the base. Generously spread refried beans across the tortilla, creating a creamy foundation. Distribute seasoned meat evenly and crown with a blanket of shredded cheddar.
4. Position the next tortilla carefully atop the first layer. Distribute rice across the surface, creating a uniform landscape. Cascade salsa to add moisture and vibrant flavor. Sprinkle corn kernels for texture and color, then embellish with another layer of melting cheese.
5. Continue the layering process with another tortilla. Repeat the bean and meat application, ensuring consistent coverage. Enhance with additional cheese to create a molten binding.
6. Crown the casserole with the final tortilla. Apply remaining beans and meat as the ultimate layer. Strategically place remaining corn and rice, then flood with salsa. Complete the masterpiece with a final generous cheese coating.
7. Shield the creation with aluminum foil, protecting the delicate layers. Bake for 40 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly. Remove the foil for the final 10-15 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbling cheese surface.
8. Extract from the oven and allow the casserole to rest briefly. This pause allows layers to settle and makes portioning more precise. Optional garnishes like cool sour cream, crisp lettuce, or fresh onions can elevate the presentation.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning to match your heat preference.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option.
• Enhance nutrition by adding black beans or chopped bell peppers during the meat layering process.
• Prep ingredients in advance to reduce cooking time and make assembly quicker and easier.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg