Description
This hearty Mexican Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and a blend of cheese layered with tortillas and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, bursting with Tex-Mex flavors and customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa (mild or hot, your choice)
- 1/4 cup water (for taco seasoning mixture)
Dairy and Toppings
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for layering or topping)
Other Ingredients
- 8 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas if preferred), cut into quarters
- Fresh cilantro, green onions, or jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning along with 1/4 cup of water. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld and the seasoning evenly coats the meat.
- Combine Beans, Corn, and Salsa: Add the black beans, corn, salsa, and drained diced tomatoes to the beef mixture. Cook together for another 2–3 minutes to warm through and blend flavors.
- Layer the Casserole: Start by spreading 1/3 of the tortilla quarters evenly on the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with 1/3 of the beef and vegetable mixture, then sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded cheese over the top. Repeat the layering two more times, finishing with cheese on top.
- Add Sour Cream (Optional): If using sour cream, dollop it between the beef and cheese layer in the middle tier for added creaminess.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat throughout and melt the cheese inside.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes post baking. This helps it set and makes slicing easier. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or jalapeños for extra freshness and heat if desired.
- Serve: Serve warm with optional sides like extra sour cream, guacamole, or hot sauce for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
- Use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture instead of corn tortillas.
- Adjust the salsa heat level according to your spice tolerance, choosing mild or hot varieties.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with additional beans or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding sour cream between layers keeps the casserole moist but is optional depending on your preference.
- Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or jalapeños into the beef mixture for more flavor and texture.
