Prepare your taste buds for a fiesta of flavors with our Mexican Tortilla Casserole recipe. This savory dish combines layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, rice, corn, and cheese, all sandwiched between soft flour tortillas. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners and gatherings with friends. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this delicious casserole and offer some tips for making it a memorable meal. Let’s dive into the world of Mexican-inspired cuisine!

Who Will Love This Recipe?

Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a dish that’s sure to please a variety of palates and occasions:

Mexican Food Enthusiasts: If you have a love for Mexican flavors and spices, this casserole will satisfy your cravings.
Weeknight Cooks: With its simple preparation and quick baking time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will appreciate the familiar and comforting taste of this casserole.
Party Planners: Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a potluck, this dish can feed a crowd with ease.

What Makes It Special?

Mexican Tortilla Casserole stands out because of its:

Layered Goodness: The layering of tortillas, seasoned beef, refried beans, rice, corn, salsa, and cheese creates a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.
Customizable Heat: You can adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot salsa and taco seasoning, making it suitable for all taste preferences.
Quick Preparation: With minimal chopping and no extensive prep work, you can have this casserole in the oven in no time.
Family-Friendly: It’s a dish that kids and adults both adore, making it a family favorite.

Tips for a Perfect Meal

Here are some tips to ensure your Mexican Tortilla Casserole turns out scrumptious:

Customize the Heat: Choose your preferred level of spiciness by selecting mild or hot salsa and taco seasoning.
Tortilla Size: Adjust the number of tortillas and their size based on your baking dish. You may need to tear or cut them to fit.
Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend, to vary the flavor.
Add Freshness: Fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or chopped cilantro can add a burst of freshness to each serving.

Mexican Tortilla Casserole

Serves: 6 Prep Time: 30mins Cooking Time: 50mins 50mins

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

1 pound of ground beef
1/2 cup of diced onion
1 packet of taco seasoning mix
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 can of refried beans (warm in the microwave for easier spreading)
1 cup of prepared rice (such as Minute Rice)
1 can of Mexican blend corn (drained, you'll use about half the can)
4-5 large flour tortillas
8 oz of thick, chunky salsa (mild or hot, your choice)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Spray a springform, round cake pan, or casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion, then drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Season with Taco Mix

Add the taco seasoning mix to the browned beef and onion, following the package directions for seasoning. Mix well.

Step 4: Begin Layering

Start with one tortilla as the base in the prepared baking dish. Spread approximately one-third of the refried beans on the tortilla, followed by one-third of the seasoned beef mixture. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top.

Step 5: Continue Layering

Repeat the layering process: tortilla, half of the prepared rice, half of the salsa, half of the corn (drained), and cheese.

Step 6: Build More Layers

Continue layering with another tortilla, one-third of the refried beans, one-third of the seasoned beef, and cheese.

Step 7: Final Layer

Add the last tortilla as the top layer. On this layer, add the remaining refried beans, remaining seasoned beef, the rest of the corn, the remaining rice, the remaining salsa, and finish with a generous amount of cheese.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 40 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 9: Rest Before Serving

Allow the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes before cutting into it.

Step 10: Optional Toppings

If desired, top the casserole servings with sour cream, diced onions, and shredded lettuce for added freshness and flavor.