Mexican Tortilla Casserole: A Hearty, Flavorful Meal for the Whole Family

Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s packed with layers of corn tortillas, seasoned ground beef (or chicken), cheese, and a blend of spices that’ll transport your taste buds straight to Mexico. This casserole is the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and spicy goodness, making it a family favorite for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even a casual get-together.

I first encountered Mexican Tortilla Casserole at a friend’s party, where everyone was raving about it. The combination of crispy tortilla layers with savory meat and melted cheese is irresistible. It’s one of those dishes that’s incredibly easy to make but feels like a special treat every time you dig in. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a simple yet satisfying meal, this casserole has you covered.

Ingredients for Mexican Tortilla Casserole

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your taste preferences, but here’s the classic version:

For the Casserole:

• Corn tortillas: 10-12 (cut into quarters)
• Ground beef: 1 lb (or chicken for a lighter option)
• Onion: 1 medium (diced)
• Bell pepper: 1 (diced, optional for extra flavor)
• Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
• Tomato sauce: 1 can (15 oz)
• Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz, drained)
• Taco seasoning: 2 tablespoons (or homemade blend)
• Black beans: 1 can (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
• Frozen corn: 1 cup (optional, adds sweetness and texture)
• Shredded cheese: 2 cups (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your favorite cheese)
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
• Salt and pepper: to taste

For the Toppings:

• Sour cream: for serving
• Fresh cilantro: for garnish
• Sliced jalapeños: for a spicy kick (optional)
• Sliced avocado: for extra creaminess (optional)

Step-by-Step Recipe for Mexican Tortilla Casserole

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will give the casserole a nice, even bake and help everything meld together perfectly.

Step 2: Cook the Meat and Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or chicken) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Once the meat is cooked, add the diced onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3: Add the Sauces and Beans

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, taco seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together. You can also add a splash of water or chicken broth if the mixture seems too thick.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, start layering the casserole. Begin with a layer of tortillas, slightly overlapping, and then spread a portion of the meat and vegetable mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Top with sour cream, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and sliced avocado for added flavor and freshness.

Tips for Perfect Mexican Tortilla Casserole

• Use Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas give the casserole a nice texture and authentic flavor. You can use flour tortillas if you prefer, but corn tortillas are traditional.
• Customize the Protein: Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless option like lentils or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Make it Spicy: Add diced green chilies, sliced jalapeños, or extra taco seasoning to spice things up.
• Add Extra Veggies: You can sneak in other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to make the casserole even more nutritious.
• Prepare Ahead: This casserole is great for meal prep. Assemble it the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it the next day. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Just bake it straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Print

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, just bake it straight from the freezer.

2. Can I make it without meat?
Absolutely! You can make this casserole vegetarian by using black beans, corn, and extra vegetables instead of the meat. It’s just as delicious!

3. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, flour tortillas will work, but corn tortillas provide a more traditional flavor and texture for Mexican Tortilla Casserole.

4. Can I add more cheese?
Of course! If you love cheese, feel free to add more in between the layers or use a combination of your favorite cheeses, like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or cotija for extra flavor.

5. How do I make this casserole spicier?
You can add more taco seasoning, use spicy salsa, or top the casserole with sliced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

6. Can I use a different type of beans?
Yes, you can use pinto beans, kidney beans, or any other beans you prefer. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before using.

7. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or bake it in the oven until heated through.

8. Can I add sour cream to the casserole while baking?
While sour cream is traditionally used as a topping, you can mix a bit into the casserole for extra creaminess. Just make sure to add it toward the end of the baking time to avoid curdling.

9. Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Yes! You can make your own taco seasoning by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

10. Can I freeze the casserole after baking?
Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.