Mexican Casserole with Beef is a flavorful and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of ground beef, cheesy goodness, and tasty Mexican spices, it’s a family-friendly meal everyone will love. This casserole is quick to make, customizable, and packed with all the flavors you crave.
Why We Love This mexican casserole with beef
Mexican Casserole with Beef is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich flavors and simple ingredients, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Here’s why we can’t get enough of it:
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this dish comes together quickly. Perfect for those nights when you need a hearty meal without the hassle.
- Flavor-Packed: Ground beef, cheese, and taco seasoning bring bold, savory flavors to every bite. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or prefer something mild, you can easily adjust the heat to your liking.
- Customizable: You can swap out ingredients to suit your taste. Add black beans for extra protein, throw in some bell peppers for a crunch, or experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole stores well, making it a great option for leftovers. You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the combination of cheesy, beefy goodness with a Mexican flair. It’s a dish that pleases everyone!
This casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a crowd-pleasing, stress-free dinner that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients for Mexican casserole with beef
Ground Beef – Provides the main flavor and protein. Use lean beef or substitute with turkey or chicken.
Taco Seasoning – Adds bold spices. Store-bought or homemade work fine.
Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend – Creates a creamy texture. Freshly shredded cheese melts better.
Flour or Corn Tortillas – Form the layers. Flour is soft, corn has a traditional flavor.
Salsa – Adds moisture and tang. Use store-bought or homemade.
Black Beans – Optional for extra protein and texture.
Chopped Onions – Adds savory flavor and texture. Use yellow or white onions.
Chopped Bell Peppers – Optional for color and crunch.
Sour Cream – Adds a creamy contrast. Greek yogurt can be a lighter option.
Instructions for mexican casserole with beef
Making this Mexican Casserole with Beef is simple and rewarding. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will help your casserole bake evenly and prevent it from sticking.
Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning. Follow the instructions on the seasoning packet for water or broth—usually, it’s about 1/2 cup. Let the beef simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Prepare the layers: While the beef is cooking, chop your onions, bell peppers, and any other veggies you’re adding. Cut the tortillas into halves or quarters for easy layering.
Layer the casserole: Spread a thin layer of salsa at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, layer in the tortillas, followed by half of the seasoned beef mixture, onions, bell peppers, and a generous handful of shredded cheese. Repeat with another layer of salsa, tortillas, beef, veggies, and cheese.
Bake the casserole: Once your layers are stacked, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with a dollop of sour cream on top for an extra creamy touch!
This Mexican casserole is an easy, one-pan meal that brings bold, savory flavors in every bite. Enjoy the hearty layers of seasoned beef, cheesy goodness, and comforting tortillas.
Pro Tips for mexican casserole with beef
To take your Mexican Casserole with Beef to the next level, here are some pro tips that will ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time:
Use fresh tortillas: Fresh flour or corn tortillas will make the casserole extra soft and flavorful. If you’re using leftovers, you can lightly crisp them in a skillet before layering for added texture.
Get the cheese just right: For that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture, use a good blend of Mexican cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. Make sure to shred the cheese yourself for the best melt. Preshredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly.
Layering is key: Don’t rush the layering process! Each layer adds flavor and texture, so be sure to spread the salsa, beef, veggies, and cheese evenly. The more evenly you layer, the more balanced your casserole will be.
Add some heat: If you like a little spice, don’t hesitate to add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking for an extra kick.
Let it rest: Once the casserole comes out of the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting. This will help it set and make serving much easier without all the layers sliding apart.
Make ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. If you’re prepping in advance, just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
With these tips, you’ll elevate your casserole to perfection, whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish!
Variations for mexican casserole with beef
This Mexican Casserole with Beef is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative and customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are some tasty variations you can try:
Swap the protein: While ground beef is the classic choice, you can easily use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version. If you’re craving a richer flavor, shredded beef or chorizo are great options, too!
Add more veggies: Want to pack in more nutrients? Try adding diced zucchini, spinach, or corn to your casserole. These veggies blend beautifully with the other ingredients and add color and crunch.
Make it spicier: If you love a good heat, toss in some chopped fresh jalapeños or use spicy salsa instead of mild. A few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili powder can take the flavor to the next level.
Serving Suggestions for mexican casserole with beef
This Mexican Casserole with Beef is a hearty and filling dish on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a variety of sides and garnishes. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance the meal:
Top it off with fresh toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness. Guacamole or avocado slices also make a perfect pairing.
Serve with a crisp salad: Balance the richness of the casserole with a light, crisp salad. A simple Mexican-style salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a tangy lime dressing is the perfect complement.
Add some crunch: Serve alongside some tortilla chips for a bit of crunch, or even use them to scoop up the casserole. They’ll add an extra layer of texture to every bite.
Pair with a side of rice: Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice is an excellent choice to serve alongside. The fluffy rice helps soak up all the delicious flavors from the casserole.
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FAQs about Mexican casserole with beef
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Mexican Casserole with Beef, along with helpful answers to guide you through the cooking process:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared a day in advance. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
How do I make the casserole less greasy?
If you’re looking to cut back on the grease, you can drain the beef after cooking it. Opting for lean ground beef or even ground turkey is another great way to reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor.
Can I use store-bought salsa?
Definitely! Store-bought salsa works perfectly for this recipe. However, if you want to elevate the flavor, you can make your own fresh salsa with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime for a more vibrant taste.
How do I make the casserole spicier?
To add extra spice, consider adding chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also use spicy salsa or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for an added kick.
mexican casserole with beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 6 flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can black beans optional
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers optional
- Sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch dish.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, drain fat, and stir in taco seasoning with water or broth. Let it simmer.
- While beef cooks, chop onions, bell peppers, and other veggies. Cut tortillas into halves or quarters.
- Spread salsa in the baking dish, layer tortillas, beef mixture, veggies, and cheese. Repeat layers.
- Cover with foil, bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10 more minutes until cheese is golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve with sour cream.