Mexican Casserole Recipe (Easy, Cheesy Family Dinner)

If you're staring into the fridge wondering what's for dinner again, this Mexican casserole recipe is one of those lifesaver meals you'll come back to over and over.

It's layered with seasoned ground beef, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and melty cheese-basically everything you love about tacos, baked into one cozy, sliceable dish. It's easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy nights when you need something filling and stress-free. This should make busy families feel confident that this dish is a dependable choice for quick, satisfying dinners.

If you love easy dinner recipes like my Easy Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls or comforting favorites like this Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe, this casserole is going to fit right into your weekly rotation.

Why You'll Love This Mexican Casserole Recipe

This is one of those recipes that works for real life:

• Quick prep (just 15 minutes!)
• Feeds a crowd (8-10 servings)
• Perfect for leftovers and meal prep
• Super customizable with toppings
• Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly

It's also a great addition to your weekly dinner system-especially if you're trying to simplify meals like I share in my How to Meal Plan Like a Pro (Even If You're Busy or Hate Cooking) guide.

Ingredients for Mexican Casserole

Casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup frozen corn
• ½ cup beef broth or water
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and chiles, undrained
• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce (divided)
• 18 small or medium corn tortillas
• 3 cups Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded (divided)

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Roma tomatoes
• Jalapeños
• Black olives

Kitchen Tools You'll Need

Keeping things simple here-these basics get the job done:

• 9x13 baking dish
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater
• Aluminum foil

These are the same everyday tools I use across many of my dinner recipes, so if you cook often, they're definitely worth having on hand.

How to Make Mexican Casserole (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked.

Drain excess grease, then stir in:

• Taco seasoning
• Corn
• Beef broth
• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes and chiles
• Half of the enchilada sauce

Let everything simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, until the mixture thickens.

👉 Pro Tip: This step is key. A thick filling prevents soggy tortillas and gives you those perfect casserole layers.

Step 3: Start Layering

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of your baking dish.

Add:

• 6 tortillas (overlapping as needed)
• Half of the beef mixture
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Step 4: Repeat the Layers

 

Add another layer of:

• Tortillas
• Remaining beef mixture
• 1 cup cheese

Step 5: Final Layer

Top with:

• Final tortillas
• Remaining enchilada sauce
• Last cup of cheese

Step 6: Bake

• Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes
• Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Serving Ideas (Make It a Full Dinner)

This casserole is filling on its own, but if you want to turn it into a full spread:

• Add a fresh side salad
• Serve with rice or chips
• Top with sour cream, avocado, or salsa

For fun family nights or gatherings, pair it with something creative like my Lilo & Stitch Snack Board or even a themed spread inspired by this Easter Snack Board (swap in Mexican-style snacks!).

My Tips for the BEST Mexican Casserole

These small details make a big difference:

• Let the filling thicken → prevents soggy layers
• Shred your own cheese → melts smoother and creamier
• Rinse beans thoroughly → removes excess starch and salt
• Cut tortillas if needed → better coverage
• Let it rest before slicing → clean, structured servings

Easy Substitutions & Variations

• Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken
• Use pepper jack for extra spice
• Try hot sausage for a bold twist
• Use mild diced tomatoes for less heat

Storage, Freezing & Meal Prep

This is one of my favorite recipes to make ahead:

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Freeze assembled (unbaked) casserole up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight before baking

If you're building a weekly dinner rotation, this fits perfectly with easy meals like my Chicken Fajita Casserole or quick options like the TikTok Ramen Recipe for busy nights.

You May Also Like (Keep Dinner Easy!)

If you loved this recipe, you'll definitely want to try:

• Chicken Fajita Casserole
• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork BBQ Tacos
• TikTok Ramen Recipe

These are all part of my go-to rotation for easy family dinners that actually get eaten.

FAQ: Mexican Casserole Recipe

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge.

Why are my tortillas soggy?

The filling likely had too much liquid. Make sure it simmers long enough to thicken before layering.

Yes, you can use flour tortillas instead, but keep in mind they soften faster. Reduce baking time slightly and keep an eye on the casserole to prevent sogginess, ensuring your dish turns out just right regardless of the tortilla type. Yes, but they soften faster. Reduce baking time slightly for best results.

What cheese works best?

Colby Jack melts beautifully, but Mexican blend or pepper Jack are great options too.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely. Freeze before baking for best results, then thaw overnight before cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican casserole recipe is one of those dependable meals that make life easier-simple ingredients, big flavor, and plenty of leftovers.

Whether you're meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just trying to get dinner on the table without stress, this is a recipe that delivers every single time.

And if you're looking for more ideas like this, don't forget to browse my full collection of Main Dishes category for easy, family-friendly meals.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that when you click on certain links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission-at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, love, or believe will be helpful to my readers. Thank you for supporting Hip Mama's Place and the content I share!

Print