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Let’s face it—weeknights can be chaotic. Between work, errands, and the daily hustle, who has the time to whip up a gourmet feast? That’s exactly why this Mexican casserole recipe has become my secret weapon for delicious, stress-free dinners. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in a snap—just the way we like it.
Inspired by the bold, comforting flavors of traditional Mexican casserole dishes and fueled by my never-ending craving for cheesy, beefy goodness, this recipe is for anyone looking to spice up dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Casserole Recipe
Whether you’re wrangling hungry teenagers, entertaining friends, or just need something tasty after a long day, this dish checks all the boxes:
- Quick prep: Just 10 minutes of prep, then let your oven do the rest.
- Customizable: Great with ground beef, chicken, or whatever leftovers are lurking in your fridge.
- One-dish wonder: Less mess, fewer dishes—hallelujah!
- Seriously delicious: Think cheesy layers, tangy tomatoes, and a spicy kick.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Grab your grocery list and check off these simple ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 can chili beans
- 1 can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz)
- 12-16 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional but encouraged: a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of guacamole on top.
How to Make the Best Mexican Casserole Ever
Step 1: Preheat and Sauté
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked, drain the fat, then stir in the taco seasoning, chili beans, Rotel, and crushed tomatoes. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
Step 2: Layer It Up
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start with a layer of tortilla quarters. Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, dollop on half the sour cream, and sprinkle with a generous handful of cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers.
Step 3: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Let it sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Manson’s Tips for the Ultimate Mexican Casserole
- Tortilla Tip: Slightly toast the tortillas before layering for a firmer texture.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
- Chicken Lovers: Sub ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a Mexican casserole recipe chicken twist.
- Freezer Friendly: Make two and freeze one for later—your future self will thank you.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
This ultimate Mexican casserole was born out of a weeknight “what’s-in-the-pantry” panic. I tossed together a few staples, baked them up, and voila—my family devoured it and begged for it again the next week. Now it’s a regular star on our dinner table, especially when time is tight.
FAQs About This Mexican Casserole Recipe
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to lighten things up, go with ground turkey or chicken—both work perfectly for a Mexican casserole recipe chicken variation. Even a plant-based crumble brings hearty flavor for a meatless twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. This dish actually tastes even better the next day (hello, lunch goals!). Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yep! This is a dream meal for planners. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. When ready, just bake it as directed—your future self will thank you.
What if I only have flour tortillas?
Totally fine! While Mexican casserole recipes with tortillas traditionally use corn for that rustic texture, flour tortillas will still layer nicely and taste great. Just expect a slightly softer bite.
Ready to make your kitchen smell like heaven on a Tuesday night? This Mexican casserole recipe brings warmth, comfort, and a little bit of fiesta to your table—no sombrero required.
So there you have it—your new go-to Mexican casserole recipe that’s as easy as it is irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew after a long workday or prepping ahead for a casual get-together, this dish brings bold flavor without the fuss. And let’s be honest, anytime you can get melty cheese, savory beef, and zesty tomatoes in one bite, it’s already a win.
I’d love to hear how it turns out in your kitchen! Did you add your own twist? Maybe sneak in some veggies or crank up the heat? Whatever you do, come back and share your version. Because here at Boast Recipes, cooking is more than just following directions—it’s about making it yours and having fun while you’re at it.
Until next time, keep cooking with confidence, a pinch of curiosity, and a whole lot of flavor. 🌮🧡
PrintThe Ultimate Mexican Casserole Recipe for Busy Weeknights
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ultimate Mexican Casserole is the perfect stress-free dinner for busy weeknights—loaded with seasoned ground beef, tangy tomatoes, creamy sour cream, and gooey cheddar cheese layered with corn tortillas. One dish, all the flavor, and barely any cleanup.
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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2 tablespoons taco seasoning
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1 can chili beans
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1 can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
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1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz)
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12–16 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
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1 cup sour cream
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, guacamole
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef.
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Drain excess fat and stir in taco seasoning, chili beans, Rotel, and crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer tortilla quarters on the bottom.
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Add half the beef mixture, then dollop half the sour cream, and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
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Repeat the layers: tortillas, beef, sour cream, cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
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Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
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Toast tortillas lightly before layering for a firmer bite.
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Spice things up with cayenne pepper or pepper jack cheese.
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Great with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes.
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Make a double batch—one for now, one for the freezer!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking,layering
- Cuisine: mexican,inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: mexican casserole, easy dinner, cheesy casserole, ground beef recipes, weeknight meal