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Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe - Cheesy Tex-Mex Comfort Food Ready in 35 Minutes

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican / Tex-Mex
Calories: 680
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
  2. Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add ground beef and onion, cooking 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease.
  3. Build the Sauce: Stir in taco seasoning, beans, Rotel, crushed tomatoes, and water. Simmer 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Layer the Base: Place a layer of tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping slightly.
  5. First Filling Layer: Spread half of the meat mixture over the tortillas. Add half the sour cream and half the shredded cheese.
  6. Repeat Layers: Add another tortilla layer, top with remaining meat, sour cream, and finish with remaining cheese.
  7. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5–10 minutes longer until bubbly and golden.
  8. 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.