Get ready to sink your fork into the ultimate comfort food: Mexican Tortilla Casserole! With layers of savory ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and hearty refried beans all wrapped up in soft tortillas, this dish bursts with irresistible flavors and textures. Whether you’re running short on time or craving a meal that pleases the whole family, this casserole is the answer to busy weeknights and last-minute gatherings. Fun fact: this recipe was a childhood favorite in my house, and it never lasted more than a day! Plus, if you’ve already fallen in love with my Easy Chicken Enchilada Bake, you’ll find this casserole equally satisfying—only faster and just as family-friendly. So, grab your baking dish and let’s whip up a meal that’ll make every dinner guest smile.
What is Mexican Tortilla Casserole?
Ever wondered how you could transform humble tortillas into a cozy, crave-worthy dinner? Meet the Mexican Tortilla Casserole! This layered dish is like a cross between your favorite tacos and a cheesy lasagna—with a zesty twist. And why the “casserole” part? Well, it’s all about comfort, layers, and big flavors, because the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, right? It’s one of those recipes with a name that practically begs you to gather everyone around the table for a bite. Ready to make dinner your family’s new favorite tradition? Dive in and give this casserole a try!
Why You’ll Love This
The real star here is the irresistible combination of melty cheese, spiced ground beef, and creamy refried beans, all tucked into soft tortillas—think of it as taco night upgraded to a crowd-pleasing casserole! Making it at home saves you plenty compared to takeout, and it uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have on hand. Plus, the addition of toppings like tangy salsa, crisp lettuce, and a dollop of sour cream turns each bite into a festival of flavors. If you’ve enjoyed my Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet recipe before, you’ll love this dish for its similar comfort factor—only this time, every forkful is layered perfection. Give it a go, and watch everyone come back for seconds.
How to Make
Quick Overview
Mexican Tortilla Casserole is as easy as it is delicious! This crowd-pleasing recipe comes together in just under an hour and uses pantry staples to create a dinner with savory beef, creamy beans, and that undeniable cheesy melt. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a hungry crowd without breaking a sweat. Even better, the preparation is simple: brown some beef, layer everything in a dish, and let your oven do the rest.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
½ cup diced onion
1 packet taco seasoning mix
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can refried beans
1 cup prepared rice
1 can Mexican blend corn, drained
4-5 large flour tortillas
8 oz thick chunky salsa
Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Diced onion (optional, for topping)
Shredded lettuce (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
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Stir in the taco seasoning mix according to package instructions. Add the drained corn to the beef mixture, stirring to combine. Remove from heat.
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In a medium bowl, mix the refried beans and prepared rice together. This will make spreading easier.
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin layering: place two tortillas at the bottom (tearing them to fit if needed), then spread with half the bean and rice mixture.
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Top with half the beef and corn mixture, pour over a third of the salsa, and sprinkle with a third of the shredded cheese.
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Repeat: add another layer of tortillas, the rest of the bean and rice, the remaining beef and corn, another third of the salsa, and another third of the cheese.
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Top with a final layer of tortillas, the remaining salsa, and the last of the cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
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Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with sour cream, extra diced onions, and shredded lettuce if desired.
What to Serve Mexican Tortilla Casserole With
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad tossed with lime juice, or go festive with cilantro-lime rice and black bean salad for a hearty meal. For drinks, serve up a refreshing pitcher of icy lemonade or hibiscus agua fresca. And if you’re feeling fancy, add a side of homemade guacamole and crunchy tortilla chips. These simple sides balance the richness of the casserole and turn dinner into a mini fiesta.
Top Tips for Perfecting
For extra depth, try swapping ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives. Don’t have refried beans? Substitute with black or pinto beans, lightly mashed. Make sure to let the casserole rest after baking; this helps it hold together when slicing. Avoid overloading each layer—thin, even layers give the best bite. If you like a spicier dish, use hot salsa or add sliced jalapeños before baking. Remember, leftovers are tasty, but tortillas can soak up extra moisture, so don’t skimp on the salsa and cheese.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice individual portions and microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot. If you prefer oven reheating, cover with foil and warm at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. This casserole freezes well, too—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best results, add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating to revive that meltiness.
FAQs
Can I make this Mexican Tortilla Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble ahead, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
You can! Corn tortillas add a slightly different texture and flavor—just overlap them as needed.
What’s the best way to make this casserole vegetarian?
Swap ground beef for black beans, pinto beans, or a meatless crumble.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach mix in beautifully for extra nutrition.
What if I don’t have refried beans?
Mashed black or pinto beans work as a substitute, or use seasoned canned beans.
Conclusion
Mexican Tortilla Casserole is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—easy, budget-friendly, and utterly delicious. With simple steps and big, bold flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings or try different protein options. Whether you’re new to casseroles or a seasoned home cook, this recipe promises smiles all around the table. Ready to spice up your next meal? Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think—happy cooking!
Mexican Tortilla Casserole
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- ½ cup Diced onion
- 1 packet Taco seasoning mix
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can Refried beans
- 1 cup Prepared rice
- 1 can Mexican blend corn, drained
- 4-5 large Flour tortillas
- 8 oz Thick chunky salsa
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Diced onion (optional, for topping)
- Shredded lettuce (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning mix according to package instructions. Add the drained corn to the beef mixture, stirring to combine. Remove from heat.
- In a medium bowl, mix the refried beans and prepared rice together. This will make spreading easier.
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Begin layering: place two tortillas at the bottom (tearing them to fit if needed), then spread with half the bean and rice mixture.
- Top with half the beef and corn mixture, pour over a third of the salsa, and sprinkle with a third of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat: add another layer of tortillas, the rest of the bean and rice, the remaining beef and corn, another third of the salsa, and another third of the cheese.
- Top with a final layer of tortillas, the remaining salsa, and the last of the cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with sour cream, extra diced onions, and shredded lettuce if desired.