Description
This Mexican Casserole is a hearty and flavorful layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and diced tomatoes, all baked with layers of tortillas and melted Mexican cheese. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck meal. Optional sour cream and fresh garnishes add creamy and fresh notes to this vibrant casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup salsa (mild or hot, your choice)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 8 small corn tortillas (or flour, if preferred), cut into quarters
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for layering or topping)
- Fresh cilantro, green onions, or jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat for a leaner casserole.
- Season the Meat Mixture: Add the taco seasoning packet and 1/4 cup of water to the skillet with the beef. Stir well and allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes: Stir in the drained black beans, corn, salsa, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook the mixture for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to warm all ingredients thoroughly.
- Layer the Casserole: Begin layering your casserole in the prepared dish. Place one-third of the quartered tortillas evenly on the bottom. Add one-third of the beef and vegetable mixture on top, followed by one-third of the shredded cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Add Sour Cream (Optional): If you prefer, dollop sour cream between the beef and cheese layers in the middle layer to add creaminess and tang.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to help it set. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or sliced jalapeños if desired.
- Serve: Serve warm with extra sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite hot sauce on the side for added flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free meal; flour tortillas if preferred.
- If you want extra heat, opt for a hot salsa or add jalapeños inside the casserole layers.
- Sour cream is optional but adds creaminess when layered or served on top.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat nicely.
- Customize the vegetables to your liking by adding bell peppers or olives.
