Description
This Ultimate Mexican Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, beans, tortillas, and melted cheese into a rich, comforting Tex-Mex dinner. Easy to assemble and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1–2 pounds ground beef (or turkey for a lighter version)
- 2–4 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 oz) chili or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 12–16 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2–2.5 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add ground beef and onion, cooking 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in taco seasoning, beans, Rotel, crushed tomatoes, and water. Simmer 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Layer the Base: Place a layer of tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping slightly.
- First Filling Layer: Spread half of the meat mixture over the tortillas. Add half the sour cream and half the shredded cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Add another tortilla layer, top with remaining meat, sour cream, and finish with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5–10 minutes longer until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, or avocado if desired.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melting. For a healthier twist, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and add vegetables like bell peppers or corn. Let the casserole rest before cutting for neat, layered servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked Casserole
- Cuisine: Mexican / Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Mexican casserole, Tex-Mex dinner, ground beef casserole, cheesy Mexican bake, family meal