Irresistible Mexican Layered Casserole Recipe You’ll Love

Name: Mexican Layered Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed; 1 cup salsa; 8 corn tortillas; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup bell peppers, chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 tsp cumin; 2 tsp chili powder; Olive oil for sautéing

Published: June 6, 2025

by Aria

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Imagine a bubbling, cheesy Mexican Layered Casserole sitting in the center of your table, steam wafting up with the tantalizing aromas of seasoned ground beef, black beans, and spicy salsa. The vibrant colors of the layers—golden corn, bright green peppers, and rich red tomato sauce—create a feast for the eyes just as much as for the taste buds. This dish promises to be a delight for all your senses while giving you the warm and fuzzies you only get from comfort food. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.

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Essential Ingredients
How to Make Mexican Layered Casserole
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Add Your Touch
Storing & Reheating
FAQ
What can I substitute for ground beef in Mexican Layered Casserole?
How long does it take to cook Mexican Layered Casserole?
Can I freeze Mexican Layered Casserole?
📖 Recipe Card

This casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Picture yourself surrounded by family or friends, laughter filling the air as everyone digs into this delicious creation. Whether it’s game night or a casual weeknight dinner, this layered masterpiece will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds! Let’s dive into how to create this magical dish that brings people together. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Mexican Layered Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
Its bold flavors and comforting textures will delight your taste buds
The colorful layers make it visually appealing at any gathering, ensuring it stands out on your dinner table
Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize based on your pantry staples or dietary preferences

Sharing this dish at a potluck led to rave reviews from friends and family who couldn’t believe how delicious it was.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ground Beef: Choose lean beef for a healthier option while still maintaining rich flavor.
Black Beans: Canned beans save time; just rinse them well to reduce sodium content.
Salsa: Use your favorite salsa; it adds moisture and packs in flavor without extra effort.
Corn Tortillas: These provide the essential structure; opt for fresh if available for best results.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese creates that gooey topping loved in casseroles; feel free to mix cheeses!
Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers enhance flavor and add a pop of color; use any variety you like.
Onion: Chopped onions enhance sweetness when sautéed; they bring depth to your casserole.
Spices (Cumin, Chili Powder): These spices elevate the dish’s flavor profile; adjust according to spice tolerance.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Mexican Layered Casserole

How to Make Mexican Layered Casserole

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly from start to finish.

Sauté Onions and Peppers: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until they soften and become fragrant. This should take about 5 minutes.

Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet with onions and peppers. Cook until browned while breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Beans and Salsa: Stir in black beans and salsa into the meat mixture. Allow everything to simmer for about 5 minutes so flavors can meld together beautifully.

Create Layers in Dish: In a greased baking dish, start layering: place tortillas at the bottom, followed by half of the meat mixture, sprinkle cheese on top, then repeat until you run out of ingredients.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover with foil and bake for approximately 25 minutes. Remove foil in the last 10 minutes so cheese can bubble up nicely—you want that golden crust!

Enjoy each step as you create this delightful Mexican Layered Casserole that’s sure to impress!

You Must Know

This Mexican Layered Casserole will be your new go-to comfort food
The layers of flavors and textures make it a crowd-pleaser
Plus, it’s easy to whip up for any occasion, from casual weeknights to festive gatherings

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the meat first, then layer ingredients while the oven preheats for even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add black beans and corn for extra flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheat in the oven.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For a delightful twist, try adding fresh cilantro or avocado on top before serving
Use freshly grated cheese for maximum meltiness
Ensure all layers are compact to avoid a soggy casserole

I once made this Mexican Layered Casserole for my family reunion, and everyone asked for seconds—definitely a hit!

FAQ

What can I substitute for ground beef in Mexican Layered Casserole?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian option.

How long does it take to cook Mexican Layered Casserole?

It typically takes about 30-40 minutes at 350°F until bubbly and golden.

Can I freeze Mexican Layered Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it before baking; just thaw and bake when ready to enjoy!