This Mexican Casserole is a comforting, one-dish meal that combines layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, savory cheese, and tortillas. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, packed with flavor, and easy to customize to your taste!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
- 6-8 small flour tortillas (corn tortillas work too, or you can use tortilla chips)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
For Optional Toppings:
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped green onions
- Sliced black olives
- Salsa
- Guacamole
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the taco seasoning and a little water (as directed on the seasoning packet) and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Layering
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the Refried Beans: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spread a thin layer of refried beans on the bottom of the dish. This helps to bind the casserole and adds creaminess.
- Add the Ground Beef: Layer the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the refried beans.
- Add the Tomatoes: Sprinkle the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies over the beef layer.
- Layer the Tortillas: Tear the tortillas into pieces and arrange them evenly over the tomato layer, covering the entire casserole. If using chips, simply layer them in a single layer.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, and any optional toppings you like.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad, topped with avocado or a zesty vinaigrette.
- Rice or Beans: Pair with a side of Spanish rice or black beans for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
- Tacos: Serve with taco-style sides like salsa, guacamole, and chips to round out the theme.
Tips for Success
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat!
- Beef Substitute: Feel free to swap the ground beef for chicken, ground turkey, or even ground pork for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and use extra beans, corn, or a mix of veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn.
- Cheese Choices: If you don’t have Monterey Jack, any melty cheese will work, such as Mexican blend cheese or mozzarella.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of beans?
Yes! If you don’t have refried beans, you can use black beans or pinto beans. You could even use a combination of beans for added texture.
2. Can I freeze Mexican Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Once assembled, cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Can I make this casserole spicy?
Absolutely! Add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or use spicy salsa or diced green chilies with extra heat for a spicier version.
4. Can I use corn tortillas?
Yes, corn tortillas will work great as a substitute for flour tortillas. They might break apart a little more, but they will still add delicious texture and flavor.
This Mexican Casserole is a fun and tasty way to enjoy classic Mexican flavors in a hearty, family-friendly dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, it’s sure to be a hit!
