Let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to dish: the *easy Mexican casserole*! It’s one of those meals that just feels like a warm hug after a long day. Seriously, it’s packed with flavor, super simple to throw together, and perfect for any occasion—be it a weeknight dinner or a lively gathering with friends. I love how versatile it is, too! You can customize it with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even the kids go crazy for. Trust me, once you try this easy Mexican casserole, it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen like it is in mine!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef, browned
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 packet taco seasoning, your favorite kind
- 2 cups shredded cheese, I love a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack
- 1 cup salsa, choose your spice level
- 10 tortillas, corn or flour, your choice
These ingredients are super simple and easy to find, making it a breeze to whip up this delicious dish any night of the week! Feel free to mix and match based on what you have in your pantry. And remember, the more cheese, the better!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! This easy Mexican casserole comes together so quickly, you’ll be amazed. First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). That way, it’s nice and warm when your delicious creation is ready to go in! While that’s heating up, grab a skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to break it up as it cooks, so you get those nice, crumbly bits.
Once the beef is browned, toss in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Mix everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This is when the magic happens—your kitchen will smell incredible! Now, grab your baking dish and layer it up: start with a tortilla, then a scoop of that savory meat mixture, some cheese, and a drizzle of salsa. Repeat this layering until you’ve used up everything, finishing with a generous topping of cheese. Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving, so it sets nicely. Voilà, dinner is served!
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown 1 lb of ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add in 1 can black beans, 1 can corn, 1 can diced tomatoes, and 1 packet taco seasoning. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a baking dish, layer 10 tortillas, followed by the meat mixture, 2 cups of shredded cheese, and 1 cup of salsa.
- Repeat the layers until you’ve used all the ingredients, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: the nutritional values for this easy Mexican casserole can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I aim to provide a general idea, they aren’t set in stone. Always feel free to adjust based on your dietary needs and preferences!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So quick to prepare—dinner’s ready in about 45 minutes!
- Full of bold flavors that everyone will love, from kids to adults.
- Super versatile—customize it with your favorite ingredients!
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd; it makes great leftovers.
- One dish means less cleanup—win-win!
- Gluten-free option available, so it fits various dietary needs.
This easy Mexican casserole is truly a lifesaver for busy nights and gatherings alike. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation!
Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, sauté some onions and peppers with the ground beef before adding other ingredients.
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking! It helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.
- If you want it spicier, add jalapeños or use spicy salsa in the layers.
- Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Try different cheese blends—Pepper Jack adds a nice kick!
- Serve with a side of fresh guacamole or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
These tips will help you make the best easy Mexican casserole ever—trust me, it’ll be a hit!
Variations
One of the best parts about this easy Mexican casserole is how adaptable it is! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:
- Protein Swap: Use shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like Queso Fresco, Gouda, or even a spicy Pepper Jack for a kick.
- Spice it Up: Add some diced green chiles or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Southwest Twist: Mix in some black olives or corn salsa for extra flavor and texture.
Feel free to get creative—this casserole is all about what you love!
Serving Suggestions
To create a complete meal with your easy Mexican casserole, I love serving it alongside a fresh, zesty salad. A simple avocado and tomato salad drizzled with lime juice adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole. You can also whip up some cilantro-lime rice for a hearty side that complements the dish beautifully. And don’t forget about chips and guacamole! They’re perfect for scooping up any leftover casserole and add a fun crunch. For drinks, a chilled margarita or even a classic iced tea can round out the meal perfectly. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your easy Mexican casserole, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap it well in foil or plastic wrap, and it’ll last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions—just be sure to cover it to keep it moist!
Drucken
Easy Mexican Casserole: 7 Ingredients for a Comforting Meal
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
This easy Mexican casserole is a flavorful and simple dish perfect for any occasion.
Zutaten
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup salsa
- 10 tortillas
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning to the skillet.
- Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a baking dish, layer tortillas, meat mixture, cheese, and salsa.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add more vegetables if desired.
- Use any type of cheese you prefer.
- This dish can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: Mexican
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 4g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 20g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 10g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 25g
- Faser: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterin: 50mg
Keywords: easy mexican casserole
