Mexican Tortilla Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for a crowd, a layered masterpiece that brings all the beloved flavors of your favorite tacos and burritos into one easy-to-serve, cheesy, and satisfying dish. This recipe is a brilliant fusion of textures and tastes, featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, fluffy rice, sweet corn, and zesty salsa, all nestled between soft flour tortillas and smothered in a blanket of melted cheddar cheese. Baked until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden, this casserole is a hearty, all-in-one meal that is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any gathering where you need to feed a hungry group with minimal fuss. It’s a versatile and forgiving recipe that welcomes customization, making it a dependable favorite in any home cook’s repertoire.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its methodical layering, which ensures every slice is packed with a perfect balance of all the components. By building the dish in a springform or round pan, you create a stunning, cake-like presentation that reveals beautiful, distinct layers when sliced. The process begins by creating a savory foundation with taco-seasoned beef and onions, then carefully assembling the ingredients to prevent a soggy bottom and ensure even cooking. The initial covered baking time allows the flavors to meld and the heat to penetrate through all the layers, while the final uncovered bake creates that irresistible, golden-brown cheese crust on top. Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking is crucial, as it lets the layers set, making it much easier to cut into neat wedges. Served with cool, fresh garnishes, this casserole is a festive, crowd-pleasing meal that delivers maximum flavor with straightforward preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Feeds a Crowd: This substantial casserole is designed to serve a family or group with ease, and it makes excellent leftovers.
• Incredibly Versatile: Easily adapt the fillings to include black beans, shredded chicken, or different types of cheese.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The entire casserole can be assembled hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it perfect for entertaining.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: The familiar, comforting flavors are a guaranteed hit with both adults and children.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans, warmed
- 1 cup prepared white rice
- 1/2 can (about 7 oz) Mexican blend corn, drained
- 4-5 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
- 8 oz chunky salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- Cooking spray
For Serving (Optional):
- Sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced jalapeños
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 9-inch springform pan, a round cake pan, or a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
• Stir in the taco seasoning mix and the amount of water specified on the packet. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the liquid has mostly reduced. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Warm the Refried Beans
• Gently warm the refried beans in a small saucepan or in the microwave. This makes them much easier to spread evenly over the tortillas.
Step 4: Assemble the First Layer
• Place one flour tortilla in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If using a 9×13-inch dish, you may need to trim or overlap tortillas to cover the bottom.
• Spread one-third of the warmed refried beans evenly over the tortilla.
• Spoon one-third of the seasoned ground beef mixture over the beans.
• Sprinkle with a portion of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Assemble the Second Layer
• Place a second tortilla on top.
• Spread half of the prepared rice evenly over the tortilla.
• Spoon half of the salsa over the rice.
• Sprinkle half of the drained corn over the salsa.
• Top with another portion of shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Assemble the Third and Final Layers
• Place a third tortilla on top.
• Spread another one-third of the refried beans, followed by another one-third of the meat mixture, and another sprinkle of cheese.
• Place the final tortilla on top. Spread the remaining refried beans, meat mixture, corn, rice, and salsa over the top.
• Finish with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface.
Step 7: Bake
• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly browned around the edges.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5-10 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice.
• If using a springform pan, carefully run a knife around the edge before releasing the clamp. Slice into wedges or squares and serve with your favorite garnishes.
Tips:
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Warming the refried beans and draining the beef and corn well are key steps to prevent excess moisture.
• Customize Your Layers: Feel free to add a layer of sliced black olives, sautéed bell peppers, or a can of drained and rinsed black beans.
• Tortilla Size: If your tortillas are smaller than your pan, it’s fine to tear them into pieces to fill in any gaps and create a solid layer.
• Let it Rest: The resting period is not optional; it is essential for clean slices.
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave. For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly convenient dish that brings the fiesta to your table with minimal effort. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy
