Mexican Casserole Recipes

Bring the bold, comforting flavors of Mexico to your dinner table with these delicious Mexican casserole recipes. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping ahead for a busy week, or serving a crowd at a potluck, these easy-to-make, flavor-packed casseroles are guaranteed to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines bold flavors with a hearty, comforting texture
• Easy to assemble with pantry-friendly ingredients
• Adaptable for various dietary needs and preferences
• Ideal for meal prep, freezing, and leftovers
• Kid-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Most Mexican casserole recipes include:

• Ground beef, chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein
• Onion, garlic, and bell peppers
• Canned black beans or pinto beans
• Canned corn or fresh/frozen corn
• Diced tomatoes or Rotel
• Salsa or enchilada sauce
• Taco seasoning or chili powder
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
• Corn tortillas, flour tortillas, rice, or tortilla chips
• Optional: sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, olives, avocado

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the meat: In a large skillet, brown ground meat with onion and garlic. Drain excess fat.
3. Add veggies and seasoning: Stir in bell peppers, beans, corn, tomatoes, salsa, and taco seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
4. Assemble the casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the tortillas (or rice), then half the meat mixture, and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat layers.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Garnish and serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, then top with sour cream, cilantro, or avocado if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30–35 minutes
• Total time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and double up on beans, corn, or use lentils
• Low-carb: Use cauliflower rice or zucchini slices instead of tortillas
• Vegan: Use plant-based meat, dairy-free cheese, and vegan sour cream
• Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat
• Breakfast-style: Include scrambled eggs and chorizo for a morning twist

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil or freezer wrap and freeze for up to 3 months
• Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes

FAQs

Can I make these casseroles ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve.

What’s the best type of tortilla to use?

Corn tortillas offer great flavor and hold up well, but flour tortillas work too. You can even use crushed tortilla chips for a crunchier texture.

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?

Yes, but you can also make your own with a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Are Mexican casseroles freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Assemble and freeze before baking, or freeze leftovers in single portions.

How do I make it creamier?

Add a layer of sour cream or cream cheese mixture between the layers before baking.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, it’s a great shortcut. Just shred and mix it into your sauce or veggie blend.

What cheese works best?

Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are all excellent options.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, layer ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Add cheese toward the end.

What sides go well with Mexican casserole?

Serve with a side salad, guacamole, chips and salsa, or Mexican rice.

Can I add rice to the casserole?

Yes, cooked rice adds great texture and bulk to the dish.

Conclusion

Mexican Casserole Recipes are the perfect balance of bold flavor and comforting texture. Easy to customize and quick to throw together, they’re ideal for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or feeding a hungry crowd. With endless options to suit your taste, this is one dish you’ll return to again and again.

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