This Throw-Together Mexican Casserole is a super simple, flexible dish that uses pantry staples and comes together in under an hour. It’s got all the Tex-Mex flavors you love — seasoned ground beef, beans, salsa, cheese, and tortillas — baked into a cheesy, comforting casserole.
⏱ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25–30 minutes
- Total time: ~45 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
🥘 Equipment
- 9×13″ baking dish
- Skillet
- Mixing spoon
- Knife & cutting board
- Oven
🧂 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb (450g) | Or ground turkey/chicken |
| Taco seasoning | 1 packet (or 2 Tbsp homemade) | |
| Onion | 1 small, diced | Optional but flavorful |
| Black beans | 1 can (15 oz), drained & rinsed | |
| Corn | 1 cup (or 1 can, drained) | Frozen or canned |
| Salsa | 1½ cups | Chunky works best |
| Sour cream | ½ cup | Adds creaminess |
| Shredded cheese | 2 cups (cheddar, Mexican blend) | Divided |
| Flour or corn tortillas | 6–8, torn or cut into strips | Or sub with tortilla chips |
| Olive oil | 1 Tbsp | For cooking |
| Optional toppings | Avocado, green onions, cilantro, jalapeños |
🌶 Ingredient Notes
- Protein: Sub in shredded rotisserie chicken or make it vegetarian with extra beans.
- Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack all melt beautifully.
- Salsa: Use your favorite — spicy, smoky, or even salsa verde.
- Tortillas vs. chips: Tortillas make it soft and layered; chips make it crunchy and nacho-like.
🔪 Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
2. Cook the beef
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
Add diced onion and sauté 2–3 minutes.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add mix-ins
Stir in:
- Black beans
- Corn
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
Heat through, about 2 minutes.
4. Layer the casserole
In the baking dish:
- Layer half the tortillas on the bottom
- Spoon half the meat mixture over the tortillas
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and meat mixture
- Top with remaining 1 cup of cheese
5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Uncover and bake 5–10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Top with avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or green onions if desired.
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Est. per serving – 1 of 8)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~400 |
| Protein | ~22g |
| Fat | ~20g |
| Carbs | ~30g |
| Fiber | ~5g |
| Sodium | ~700mg |
Will vary based on tortilla type, cheese, and salsa used.
💡 Tips & Variations
✅ Tips
- Double the recipe and freeze one for later.
- Make it ahead: Assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Spice it up with chipotle powder, jalapeños, or spicy salsa.
🔄 Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and double the beans.
- Chicken version: Use cooked shredded chicken with green salsa.
- Crunchy top: Add crushed tortilla chips on top during last 5 minutes of baking.
- Low-carb: Swap tortillas for thinly sliced zucchini or low-carb wraps.
