Cheesy Mexican Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Mexican Casserole that layers seasoned ground beef, black beans, salsa, and tortillas, topped with melted colby jack cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a family dinner, delivering comforting Tex-Mex flavors with customizable garnishes like diced tomatoes, green onions, and sour cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 cup water
- 2 ounces taco seasoning
- 20 ounces Rotel, drained
- 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 16 ounces jar salsa (mild preferred)
Tortillas and Cheese
- 18 soft yellow corn tortillas
- 6 cups colby jack cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
Optional Garnish
- 1 cup diced roma tomatoes
- ½ cup thinly sliced green onions
- Sour cream to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped yellow onion together until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning, water, drained Rotel, black beans, and salsa. Mix well to combine all ingredients, then simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Layer the Casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a layer of soft yellow corn tortillas to cover the bottom. Spread a portion of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas, followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded colby jack cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers—tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese—until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with diced roma tomatoes, thinly sliced green onions, and dollops of sour cream as desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use mild or spicy salsa depending on your heat preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef.
- To make the casserole ahead of time, assemble it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- If you prefer, swap corn tortillas with flour tortillas for a softer texture.
- Adding jalapeños or hot sauce can increase the spice level.
- Leftover casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
