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Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe has the most delicious layers of cheese, ground beef, tortillas and more. This casserole is perfect for dinner any night of the week and loaded with tons of flavor.
Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
What is the best way to describe this casserole? Well, I am teetering between super yummy and super easy.
Take your pick, both describe it equally well. I was in a rush to get something made quickly so I just threw in a few things I had sitting around.
This meal uses pantry staples that you probably already have.
Your family will love this meal! Our entire family loves this recipe and it is now one of our favorite meals to make.
Layers of simple ingredients come together for a casserole full of comfort food. If you loved our Beef Burrito Recipe, then you love this casserole.
Ingredient list
- ground beef – I used cooked ground beef I had in the freezer so it was even easier.
- taco seasoning – We love homemade taco seasoning.
- Chili Beans – You can also use homemade ranch beans. I had some in the freezer and it made the recipe even easier.
- Rotel – If you don’t have this in the pantry, use a small can of green chilies and a can of diced tomatoes for an easy substitution.
- crushed tomatoes – Diced tomatoes make a great substitution.
- corn tortillas
- sour cream
- cheddar cheese-Cheddar, Colby Jack and Mexican blend cheese would all be delicious.
How to make Mexican casserole
First, brown meat in a large skillet and drain. If you are using cooked ground beef from the freezer like I did, just thaw it first.
Second, add the taco seasoning, stir in the beans, diced tomatoes, and crushed tomato in the skillet. You can easily adapt this step for what you have on hand.
Get your baking dish ready. It is perfect in a 13×9 casserole dish. Place a layer of tortillas on the bottom.
Then, pour half of the meat mixture over the tortillas.
Spread over the tortillas and sprinkle with half the cheese.
Repeat the process one more time. Add another layer of tortillas on top.
Spread the remaining meat mixture over the tortillas. The last step is to spread the sour cream on top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
You are going to love how the sour cream blends into this casserole. I think it brings it all together and adds such a layer of creaminess.
Cover with foil and bake. The foil will prevent the cheese from getting too brown before the rest of the casserole has finished cooking.
Jump to recipe below for the full details.
What to serve with Mexican casserole?
Everything you need for a great dinner is in this casserole. It is an easy one pot meal if your family enjoys Mexican food.
You really can just serve it with crushed tortilla chips, Crock Pot Rotel Dip Recipe and a salad. If I have extra time I will make this Delicious Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe and Crock Pot Refried Beans.
Both of these side dish ideas are easy and do not take much time or effort.
Ideas for dessert:
Topping ideas:
sour cream
diced onion
shredded lettuce
hot sauce
salsa
diced tomatoes
guacamole
Variation ideas:
- Try ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef.
- Use leftover shredded chicken or beef. It does not have to be ground.
- Substitute flour tortillas for corn tortillas.
- Add pinto beans with the black beans or substitute them.
- Try different types of cheese- Mexican blend, Monterrey, Colby and more are all delicious.
- Add bell peppers and chopped onion. Green Chiles are also delicious if you like to spice things up.
- Toss in a handful of corn. Frozen, canned or fresh would work. Use what you have.
- Rice would be a great addition to this casserole. Either mix it in with the beef or make it a layer. This is also a great way to stretch your meat.
- Vegetarian option- Omit the ground beef and add 2 cups beans instead. Pinto or black beans would taste great.
- Black olives taste great baked on top of the cheese. It also looks pretty too.
- Use salsa or enchilada sauce in place o the crushed tomatoes layer.
- Add jalapeno peppers into the casserole if you love spicy dishes. Another idea is to top each serving with a few slices if you do not want them in the entire dish.
How to freeze Easy Mexican casserole recipe:
I like to make 2 of these at a time because it isn’t any more work. All of the ingredients are already out and it is so easy.
So I do one for dinner that day and then put one in the freezer for a later time. This is a huge help and a big time saver.
Just make the casserole as directed but I like to use a tin toil pan for the one going in the freezer.
However, instead of baking, cover with foil and allow to cool. Once cooled, freeze.
It isn’t anymore work to make 2 and you have a great dinner for another night.
How to reheat:
To bake, remove from the freezer the day before you want to eat it and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Bake at 350 degrees until cooked through and the cheese is melted on top.
How to store:
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Use a container with a lid to keep leftovers the freshest.
We love Mexican casserole with beef.
The creamy sauce in this casserole recipe is so delicious. This Mexican casserole is quick and easy and oh so tasty.
You will love all of the melted cheesy in this dish and it really makes for a great recipe. This has quickly become a family favorite around here and one we all look forward to.
It is inexpensive to make and perfect for company. Everyone leaves happy and wants the recipe.
Make this today and be prepared for it to become a family favorite in your home too. It is so simple to substitute items for what you have on hand. Anyone can make this.
The next time your family is craving Mexican food, save money and make this at home. Mexican Monday will be everyone’s favorite day of the week.
Print this ultimate Mexican casserole below:
Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 can chili Beans
- 1 can Rotel
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 15 oz
- 12-16 corn tortillas cut into quarters
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown meat in large skillet. Drain.
- Add taco seasoning, beans, diced tomatoes, and crushed tomato to the skillet.
- Spray 13×9 casserole dish. Place a layer of tortillas on the bottom.
- Pour half of the meat mixture over the tortillas. Spread with half the tortillas and sprinkle with half the cheese. Place another layer of tortillas on top. Pour the remainder of the meat mixture over the tortillas, spread the sour cream over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until cheese is nice and bubbly.
- Serve with tortilla chips and a salad. Enjoy!
Recipe Video
Nutrition Facts
More mexican casserole recipes
- Crock Pot Mexican Casserole Recipe
- Taco Lasagna Recipe
- Easy Nacho Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Crock Pot Shredded Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Crock Pot Mexican Lasagna Recipe
- Easy chicken enchilada casserole recipe
I’m so glad you enjoyed it – Thank you for sharing!
This dish was great! I followed the recipe except for the couple things I didn’t have. I did not have corn tortillas, so I used crushed tortilla chips for each layer of tortillas.
I also added sliced olives and corn. Added sour cream after it cooked.
Thank you for a great recipe! We loved it!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Your additions to this recipe sound delicious!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Leslie. Thank you for sharing!
So yummy and kiddo loves it. Enough to save for left overs. I made a few tweaks. I used ground chicken instead of beef, black beans instead of chili beans, and added corn. Mainly because this was what I had on hand. But it was very good!!
This was delicious and everyone in my family enjoyed it. It also freezes very well. Will definitely make it again. Easy to prepare as well.
That’s a great idea!
Love this. So easy and good. I make this in 2 8×8 pans and freeze the 2nd for use later.
Yes, this is for me, especially at the end when you mentioned the freezing because I live alone.
I think I will make it AS individual portions in 65oml Foil Trays.
Mexican Lasagne :-)? And I need to make some Italian Lagne as well since it is ages since I did that.
Tried this a couple weeks ago. Everyone loved it, including my niece’s two year old. “Mommy, make home” he told her as he scarfed it up. I think that is the ultimate praise for a good tasting dish! I served it with a broccolini salad.
I’m making up some more to freeze for a quick meal for my husband and me.
I made this tonight and it was very yummy!! Will make again but will probably add some jalapeno next time just to kick it up and make it a little spicer for me, but overall a really good recipe and was able to make the hamburger mixture the day before I put it all together.
this looks like my new fav casserole !
This looks Soo good… And definitely easy enough for a week night meal. This is Soo versatile… You can serve with Spanish rice, or a fresh salad. I love the idea of different toppings like crunchy jalapenos, pico de gallo, chunks of avocado, fresh cilantro… The ideas are endless!!! Thank you for sharing the recipe…?
I would serve this with corn on the cob.
I like to mash avocado with a Tb or so mayo, add chopped lettuce, stir in chopped tomatoes and salt to taste: easy, fast salad, stretches the last avocado and cools the palate if I used too much spice (I like to add red enchilada sauce)
Can’t wait to try the Mexican casserole recipe! Going to fix it for my Bible study group ??
Going to serve it with Xtra sour cream, purple onions, chopped, and tomato and lettuce.
Looks easy! I would serve with sliced avocados or guac. Queso is always a good option too!
I would serve this with freshly made tortilla chips , plenty of fresh guacamole,top with crisp pica de Gallo and sliced black olives with a dab of sour cream.
I would top these with jalepenos and cruncht tortilla chips! We are actually having it tonight! EOD recipes keep our family fed!!!!
Think I’m going to try it with a slightly spicy sour cream, little ground dried Chilli pepper and fresh ground pepper… sounds delicious!
My topping of choice would be of course a lot of sour cream!!
This would also be great with sour cream and salsa on the side or on top!
I would serve this casserole with Sour Cream and Quacamole and some Spanish Rice. This casserole sounds so delicious.
That sounds yummy! I would serve it with Spanish rice and top it with salsa, sour cream, and shredded lettuce.
Looks yummy! I would love to add guacomole, sour cream, and jalapenos.
I would fry the tortillas first, I would add fresh cooked pinto beans, I would mix Monterey and Colby cheese together, I like to shred the cheese myself. I would use shredded lettuce, sour cream, and tomatoes to use on the top when they come out of the oven.
Looks fairly easy especially for those of us who don’t have a lot of time to cook.
I’m from Texas, so I would serve a dinner salad with a light ranch dressing with multi colored tortilla strips on top.
Gotta top with sour cream and green onions!! Maybe a black olive or two.
Love this recipe!!
CAN’T wait to try. Love corn tortillas. Thanks fir recipe.
I will top the mexican casserole with black olives and green onions. This is the first recipe i have found that used corn tortillas. Can’t wait untill Friday to make it.
I’ve never made a Mexican casserole but I will definitely be trying this one out soon!
This casserole looks really yummy!! I’d probably top it with sour cream and guacamole!! I might even sprinkle crushed Nacho cheese or taco flavored Doritos!
Sliced avocados on top !
This looks super easy and yummy. I would serve with Mexican rice and a salad.
I love to top my mexican casserole with green onions, and sour cream.
I love these recipes they are easy and the recipe that I have tried my family loves them.
Only one word needed. DELICIOUS!!! I served with cilantro lime rice. Yummy!
I love cilantro lime rice with Mexican casserole.
I would serve this with Mexican Rice and a glass (or 2) of Margheritas.
Looks very delicious! I would serve Spanish rice and refried beans with it.
I’m gonna make this casserole tonight for dinner, because it sounds & looks delicious & it’s easy!!! Can’t wait to make it!!! ??. I will serve it with lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, & diced onions, & some fresh salsa that I made today & of course freshly sliced jalapeños!!!! Yummy ?
I’ve made this recipe using ground turkey so many times but never added the sour cream. Can’t wait to try it with that addition. I add lots of onions, peppers, black olives and even mushrooms to bulk it up with extra veggies. I have even made it in the Instapot and it comes out great. Want a spicier version, replace some or all of the meat with some chorizo. I serve it with a side vegetable.
Served with crockpot pinto beans. Top with shredded lettuce, tomatoes avocado and fresh salsa
I would top with salsa, sour cream or guacamole and serve with salad or calabicitas
I would serve it with Spanish or Mexican rice and use fresh roasted hot green chiles to add extra flavor.
This looks delicious. I’m going to put it on the menu this week. I would serve it with diced Avacado, olives, and sour cream. I would also make spanish rice to serve with it.
This looks yummy! I just checked the pantry and I don’t have chili beans, but I have refried beans. I think I will try them, and I have mexicorn I may use too! Can’t wait for dinner tomorrow!
The only way this could be any better is to add some shredded lettuce, squeezable sour cream drizzle, and some restaurant stye salsa. Amazing!
This sounds super easy and yummy! I would serve with a salad or have extra toppings for people to pick from (lettuce, guacamole,salsa, extra cheese , extra sour cream etc.)
I serve mine with hot sauce and sour cream
Was great I left out the beans
Best Mexican casseroles. I ‘ll have to try them all.
I would serve this with Mexican rice and salad.
We ?? Mexican food! Margaritas, Jarritos, nachos, and Spanish rice are excellent sides. For this casserole, I would have various bowls with shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, sour cream, diced onions, diced tomatoes, hot sauce/salsa and guacamole dip for toppings. Although it is a casserole, taco toppings would complete the meal. Limes cut into eighths should be made available to help cut the spiciness as not everyone can tolerate the heat.
I made this and my family loved it. I served it with Refried Beans, Mexican Rice and we had Chips and Salsa. SO GOOD
This sound delish and perfect for our meal rotation! I would serve this with additional sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole, salsa and jalapeños.. Black olives for my husband only. 😉 Perfect Mexican dish toppings!!
I would serve this with jalapeño and pickled red onion on top! Looks delicious
I am going to make this Mexican Casserole. I will definitely have diced tomatoes, Hot sauce, and salsa to add if anyone wants.
When I serve a Mexican dish, I usually make a “Mexican” salad. Lettuce, tomatoes, onion, black olives and shredded cheese. Then I sprinkle it liberally with taco seasoning, give it stir and serve.
I am so adding this to the menu this week with Mexican rice for a side.
This sounds good, easy and pretty quick!! Yum yum
I would serve Mexican rice with this
Yummy recipe! I would serve black beans and Mexican rice with it. Yum!
This recipe looks fabulous! I would serve this with a salad and mexican rice. 🙂
My family and I loved this so much. I will be making this often. I added corn and rice to it.?
Hello from Algeria! There’s no Mexican food over here, so I wasn’t sure if this would fly with my in-laws…but they loved it. I’m glad I made two of them (I froze one for later). Next time, I might add some rice, as suggested. Thanks for the taste of home!
The recipe card is toward the bottom of the post with all the quantities and measurements. You can also use the “Jump to Recipe” button at the top of the page and it will take you to the recipe with all this information. Thank you!
You did not specify cooking time or quantity of ingredients!
Thank you so much Barry! That means so much to me and I’m so glad that you both enjoy this recipe and the taco seasoning!
I used this recipe last night for my second time, as my wife really liked it the first time. I followed your recipe exactly, except I used flour instead of corn tortillas. I even used Carrie’s taco seasoning recipe. Served over corn chips with lettuce and salsa on top. Once again, you make me look like I know what I’m doing in the kitchen.
I haven’t tried that yet but I think flour tortillas would work great in this recipe too.
I’m not a fan of corn tortillas… can I use flour tortillas?
That sounds delicious! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
This was yummy! I didn’t add in sour cream, used both flour tortillas and low carb tortillas (separate batches), and used three different cheeses. Served it with lettuce and more tomatoes. Yum yum! Thanks.
I hope you love it – I think the additional of cream cheese will be delicious in this recipe!
I can’t wait to make this dish! I love to add cream cheese to Mexican dishes for an extra thickness so I may add that when “spreading the sour cream!” Also, I’m not a huge fan of beans so I may only use half a can or take them out totally!
Thank you for this great base idea! Seems quick and easy!
I usually drain the beans but not the tomatoes and Rotel – Thank you!
I plan to make your Easy Mexican Casserole for dinner tonight. Do you drain the beans, Rotel and tomatoes or not?
I’m so glad you enjoyed it – thank you!
I made this for a family camping trip, everyone just loved it. Next time I’m going to add corn also.
I would just leave them out. It’ll still be great without them too!
Please tell me what I can substitute the beans with. My guy doesn’t care for beans even I love them
My family and I love this recipe. My husband who never eats left overs came in after dinner from working outside and wanted more. Next time I make this I think I will add onions and jalapenos for more of a kick. I did add some crushed red chili peppers but I didn’t add enough. It’s a pretty mild recipe. It is delicious and easy.
Looks good…but a few comments:
Tortillas…you have 24 pieces on the bottom.Then you say “spread with half the tortillas” after the meat is put in. Maybe you want to say “half remaining tortillas”?
Also you say “spread more sour cream”, but you never told us to put any sour cream in before this?
Thanks…