Let me tell you, this easy Mexican casserole is a total game-changer in my kitchen! It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone together—friends, family, and even last-minute guests. I love how simple it is to throw together, yet it’s packed with flavor that makes it feel special. Picture this: layers of seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, zesty taco seasoning, and gooey cheese all baked to perfection. It’s comfort food at its finest! I often whip this up on busy weeknights or when I’m craving something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll quickly become a go-to in your home too!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful easy Mexican casserole. Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go!
- 1 lb ground beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, but don’t skimp on flavor!
- 1 can black beans: Make sure to drain and rinse these to keep things from getting too mushy.
- 1 can corn: Again, drain it well to avoid excess liquid in the casserole.
- 1 can diced tomatoes: No need to drain this one; the juices will add extra flavor!
- 1 packet taco seasoning: Feel free to use your favorite brand or even make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 2 cups shredded cheese: I love using a Mexican blend, but feel free to use cheddar or whatever cheese you prefer.
- 1 cup tortilla chips: These will add a nice crunch, so don’t skip this step! Crush them slightly for better layering.
- 1/2 cup chopped onions: I usually stick with yellow or white onions for a mild flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers: Mix up the colors for a vibrant look—red, green, or yellow all work beautifully!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for getting that cheesy goodness nice and bubbly!
- While the oven heats up, grab a skillet and brown the 1 lb ground beef over medium heat. Add in the 1/2 cup chopped onions and 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers and cook until the beef is no longer pink and the veggies are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Oh, the aroma is heavenly!
- Now, it’s time to mix in the good stuff! Stir in the 1 can black beans (drained), 1 can corn (drained), 1 can diced tomatoes, and the 1 packet taco seasoning. Make sure everything is well combined and let it simmer for a few minutes. This step really allows those flavors to meld together.
- Grab a baking dish and start layering! First, spread half of the beef mixture evenly on the bottom. Then, add a layer of 1 cup tortilla chips, followed by a generous sprinkle of 2 cups shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining beef mixture, tortilla chips, and finish off with the rest of the cheese on top. You want that gorgeous cheesy layer to melt beautifully!
- Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when you can’t resist peeking inside!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick and easy to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Full of flavor, thanks to the savory beef and zesty taco seasoning.
- One-pan wonder—less cleanup means more time to enjoy with family!
- Can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
- Gluten-free option if you use gluten-free chips and ingredients.
Tips for Success
To really nail this easy Mexican casserole, here are some of my top tips! First, be sure to drain all canned ingredients thoroughly; excess liquid can make your casserole soggy, and nobody wants that! When browning the beef, don’t rush it—letting it cook until it’s nicely browned adds depth of flavor. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture; it amps up the flavor beautifully!
Also, feel free to mix up the cheeses! A combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar gives a lovely meltiness. And for an extra layer of flavor, try adding some fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice right before serving. Trust me, those little touches can take your casserole from good to absolutely fabulous!
Variations
One of the best things about this easy Mexican casserole is how adaptable it is! If you’re in the mood for something different, try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or even shredded chicken for a lighter option. You can also go vegetarian by leaving out the meat entirely and adding more beans or some sautéed mushrooms for that hearty texture.
Feeling adventurous? Toss in some diced zucchini or corn to add extra veggies, or spice things up with a packet of chipotle seasoning instead of taco seasoning for a smoky kick. You can even customize the cheese—feta or pepper jack will give it a unique twist! And don’t forget, you can always play with the toppings; a sprinkle of fresh avocado or a dollop of salsa can really elevate the dish. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this easy Mexican casserole, I love to keep things simple yet delicious! It pairs perfectly with a dollop of sour cream on top—trust me, the creaminess cuts through the spices beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro adds a lovely pop of color and flavor.
On the side, I recommend some guacamole for that creamy goodness and maybe some pico de gallo for a fresh, zesty kick. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness of the casserole perfectly. And don’t forget the tortilla chips! They’re great for scooping up every last bit of cheesy goodness. This meal is sure to please everyone at the table!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to this easy Mexican casserole, you get a hearty meal without overindulging! Each serving (about 1 cup) is estimated to contain:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a filling meal while keeping an eye on nutrition!
FAQ Section
Can I make this easy Mexican casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for making ahead. Just prepare it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you want to switch things up, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully, or you can go vegetarian by using lentils or black beans instead. Both options will still give you that hearty texture without sacrificing flavor!
How can I make it spicier?
If you love a kick, try adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also use spicy taco seasoning or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the top before baking for that extra heat!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Just let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the freezer. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
What should I serve with this casserole?
This easy Mexican casserole is fantastic with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh salsa. A simple side salad or some tortilla chips also complements it nicely!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this easy Mexican casserole is super simple! Once it’s cooled down, just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and it’ll last for about 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. If you want to get that cheese nice and bubbly again, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave; just be sure to cover them to keep them moist. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
Print
Easy Mexican Casserole That Will Delight Your Family
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious Mexican casserole that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup tortilla chips
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onions and bell peppers.
- Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Stir well.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the beef mixture.
- Add a layer of tortilla chips and sprinkle with cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining beef mixture, chips, and cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream and guacamole.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: easy mexican casserole
