Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the best elements of Mexican cuisine into one satisfying meal. It’s a perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need to feed a crowd. This casserole layers tortillas, seasoned beef, beans, rice, corn, and cheese, all brought together with a zesty salsa. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor.
My first experience with this casserole was at a family gathering where everyone contributed a dish. My aunt brought this Mexican Tortilla Casserole, and it was an instant hit. The combination of flavors and textures was so satisfying that I had to get the recipe from her. Since then, it has become a go-to dish in my home, especially when I need something that’s easy to prepare yet sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion
1 pack taco seasoning mix
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can refried beans (they spread easier if you warm them in the microwave)
1 cup prepared rice (I used Minute Rice)
1 can Mexican blend corn (drained; will only use about 1/2 can)
4-5 large flour tortillas
8 oz of thick chunky salsa (your choice of mild or hot)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spray a springform pan, round cake pan, or casserole dish with cooking spray. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking and make for easier cleanup.
2. Cook the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until the onion is translucent and the beef is no longer pink.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add the taco seasoning mix and water according to the package directions. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Layer the Casserole
Lay one tortilla in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Spread 1/3 of the refried beans over the tortilla.
Top with 1/3 of the seasoned meat mixture.
Sprinkle with a portion of the shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Build the Second Layer
Place another tortilla on top of the first layer.
Spread 1/2 of the prepared rice over the tortilla.
Add 1/2 of the salsa, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle 1/2 of the drained corn over the salsa.
Top with a portion of the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Build the Third Layer
Place another tortilla on top.
Spread another 1/3 of the refried beans over the tortilla.
Add another 1/3 of the seasoned meat mixture.
Sprinkle with more shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Final Layer
Add the final tortilla on top.
Spread the remaining refried beans over the tortilla.
Top with the remaining seasoned meat.
Add the rest of the corn and the remaining rice.
Spread the remaining salsa over the top and sprinkle with the last portion of shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes.
After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
8. Let it Set and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before cutting. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut into neat pieces.
After baking, top the casserole with optional garnishes such as sour cream, diced onion, and shredded lettuce if desired.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a meat substitute or additional beans and vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
Different Meats: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a different flavor.
Cheese Choices: Mix up the cheese with a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
Additional Toppings: Avocado slices, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can add extra flavor and freshness.
Healthier Version: Use whole wheat tortillas, low-fat cheese, and lean meat for a lighter version of this dish.
Conclusion
Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine into a convenient, easy-to-make casserole. The layers of tortillas, seasoned beef, beans, rice, corn, and cheese, all tied together with salsa, create a symphony of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy.
This recipe is particularly appealing because it’s so versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. It’s also a great make-ahead dish, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. The ease of preparation combined with the delicious results makes it a go-to recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.
Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this Mexican Tortilla Casserole is sure to impress and delight everyone at the table. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors and the satisfaction of serving a homemade dish that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Mexican Tortilla Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef Provides the main protein and savory flavor for the dish.
- 1/2 cup diced onion Adds a sweet and slightly sharp flavor to the beef.
- 1 pack taco seasoning mix Seasons the beef with traditional Mexican spices.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Melts over the layers, adding a rich, creamy texture.
- 1 can refried beans warmed for easier spreading, Adds creaminess and depth of flavor to each layer.
- 1 cup prepared rice Minute Rice used in the recipe, Adds substance and helps to bind the layers together.
- 1 can Mexican blend corn drained; using 1/2 can, Adds a sweet and crunchy texture to the casserole.
- 4-5 large flour tortillas Serves as the base and separates the layers in the casserole.
- 8 oz thick chunky salsa mild or hot, depending on preference, Adds moisture, flavor, and a bit of zest to the dish.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a springform pan, round cake pan, or casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until the onion is translucent and the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning mix according to package directions.
- Layer the Casserole: Lay one tortilla in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread 1/3 of the refried beans over the tortilla. Top with 1/3 of the seasoned meat mixture. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Build the Second Layer: Place another tortilla on top. Spread 1/2 of the prepared rice over the tortilla. Add 1/2 of the salsa, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1/2 of the drained corn over the salsa. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Build the Third Layer: Place another tortilla on top. Spread another 1/3 of the refried beans over the tortilla. Add another 1/3 of the seasoned meat mixture. Sprinkle with more shredded cheddar cheese.
- Final Layer: Add the final tortilla on top. Spread the remaining refried beans over the tortilla. Top with the remaining seasoned meat. Add the rest of the corn and the remaining rice. Spread the remaining salsa over the top and sprinkle with the last portion of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Let it Set and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before cutting. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut into neat pieces. Top with optional garnishes like sour cream, diced onion, and shredded lettuce if desired.
