If you love vibrant flavors and comforting layers of deliciousness, this Mexican Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dish. Bursting with a hearty blend of spices, fresh vegetables, and gooey melted cheese, it’s the perfect meal to bring family and friends together. This recipe seamlessly combines simple pantry staples with bold Mexican-inspired ingredients, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is colorful. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this Mexican Casserole Recipe hits all the right notes with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this dish—with each one adding something special. From the rich ground beef to the vibrant bell peppers, every component brings flavor, texture, and a beautiful balance to the casserole.
- 1 lb ground beef: This forms the hearty, savory base of the casserole.
- 1 onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped): Brings color and a subtle natural sweetness.
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped): A crisp, slightly bitter contrast to the red pepper.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with wonderful aromatic warmth.
- 1 ounce taco seasoning: Packs the mixture with authentic Mexican spices.
- 1 teaspoon oregano: Adds a fragrant herbal note.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances the flavor of every ingredient.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor for richness and depth.
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds a touch of heat with fresh tomato brightness.
- 15 ounces black beans (drained and rinsed): Provides hearty texture and protein.
- 16 ounces refried beans: Creamy layer that helps hold everything together.
- 10 6-inch flour tortillas: Soft layers giving the casserole its classic structure.
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese: Melts perfectly, forming that irresistible cheesy topping.
How to Make Mexican Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your layers won’t stick during baking and cleanup is easier later.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef. Brown it thoroughly until fully cooked, making sure to break up any large chunks. Once done, drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and minced garlic right into the skillet with your beef. Sauté for about five minutes, or until the vegetables soften and mingle beautifully with the meat.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle the taco seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper over the beef and veggies. Stir everything well so that the spices coat every bite and you get a deliciously balanced flavor throughout the casserole.
Step 5: Add Tomato and Beans
Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and black beans. Let the mixture simmer gently for around three minutes to marry the flavors and thicken the sauce just a bit.
Step 6: Layer Your Casserole
Now, layer time. Start by placing a single layer of tortillas at the bottom of your baking dish. Spread half of the refried beans over the tortillas, followed by half of the beef and bean mixture. Sprinkle with half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Repeat these layers one more time, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top that will melt and brown beautifully.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake covered for 20 minutes to let all those layers cook together and flavors deepen. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese on top to get bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. This rest time helps everything set so your slices hold together perfectly. Serve hot, and don’t forget to garnish with your favorite toppings!
How to Serve Mexican Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh garnishes can elevate your Mexican Casserole Recipe to the next level. Creamy sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or a few sliced jalapenos add freshness and zing. Lime wedges on the side offer a bright pop of acidity that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette, Spanish rice, or even some warm tortilla chips are perfect companions that complement and round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for cute, personalized portions. Alternatively, laying it out family-style on a vibrant platter invites everyone to dig in and savor each cheesy, flavorful layer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Mexican Casserole Recipe fresh by transferring it into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay delicious for up to 4 days, giving you ready-made meals with that homemade flavor whenever you want.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Just cool completely, cover tightly with foil or cling wrap, and place in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing that incredible flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly again. Using the oven prevents your casserole from drying out and keeps that cheesy top perfectly melted.
FAQs
Can I make this Mexican Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with extra beans, sautéed mushrooms, or a mix of diced vegetables for a meatless version that’s just as flavorful and hearty.
What type of cheese works best?
Colby Jack cheese melts smoothly and offers a mild, creamy flavor that complements the spices well. You can also try a Mexican cheese blend or cheddar for a twist.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, corn tortillas add a wonderful authentic texture and flavor, but they can be a bit more fragile. Lightly warming them before layering helps prevent cracking.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish has a gentle warmth mainly from the diced tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning. You can always add more chili or jalapenos if you prefer a spicier kick.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This Mexican Casserole Recipe comfortably serves about 8 to 8 people, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a casserole that brings together bold flavors, creamy textures, and cheesy goodness all in one dish. This Mexican Casserole Recipe is an absolute staple for anyone wanting a fuss-free yet unforgettable meal. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite dishes to share and savor time and time again.
Print
Mexican Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This hearty Mexican Casserole is a flavorful layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, black and refried beans, tortillas, and melted Colby Jack cheese, baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Sauce
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies
Beans and Tortillas
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 16 ounces refried beans
- 10 6-inch flour tortillas
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving after baking.
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef completely. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, red and green bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes, which helps build flavor and texture.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the taco seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper into the beef and vegetable mixture. Mix well to blend all the spices evenly throughout the mixture.
- Incorporate Sauces and Beans: Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and drained black beans to the skillet. Stir to combine thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer the bottom with a single layer of tortillas. Spread half of the refried beans evenly over the tortillas. Top with half of the beef and bean mixture, followed by half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of cheese on top for a golden crust.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, sliced jalapenos, or chopped cilantro to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapenos to the beef mixture.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version, but verify that all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set, making for cleaner slices.
- Try substituting Colby Jack with Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese for a different flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
