Mexican Tortilla Casserole – OMG DON’T LOSE THIS 😋
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
Serves: 6–8
If you love tacos, enchiladas, and cheesy layered casseroles, this Mexican Tortilla Casserole is about to become your new go-to dinner.
It’s loaded with seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, fluffy rice, sweet corn, chunky salsa, and plenty of melty cheddar cheese — all stacked between soft flour tortillas and baked until golden and bubbly.
This is comfort food with bold Mexican-inspired flavor — and it’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Why I Love This Recipe
This casserole hits all the right notes:
- Easy pantry-friendly ingredients
- Big taco flavor
- Perfect for meal prep
- Customizable spice level
- Feeds a crowd without stress
If you’re a fan of crowd-pleasing meals like This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd or quick family dinners like This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut, this layered tortilla bake deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can refried beans (warm slightly for easier spreading)
- 1 cup prepared rice (Minute Rice works great)
- ½ can Mexican blend corn, drained
- 4–5 large flour tortillas
- 8 oz thick chunky salsa (mild or hot)
Optional toppings:
Sour cream, diced onion, shredded lettuce
Ingredient Tips & Variations
Switch the Protein:
Ground turkey or shredded chicken work beautifully.
Make It Spicy:
Use hot salsa or add jalapeños between layers.
Add More Veggies:
Bell peppers, black beans, or diced tomatoes are great additions.
Use Different Cheese:
Try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
If you love layered Mexican-style casseroles, you’ll also enjoy This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit or These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Spray a springform pan, round cake pan, or casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat:
- Brown ground beef and diced onion.
- Drain excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning and cook according to package directions.
Set aside.
3. Build the Layers
Layer 1:
Place 1 tortilla in the bottom of the baking dish.
Spread ⅓ of the refried beans.
Add ⅓ of the seasoned meat.
Sprinkle cheese.
Layer 2:
Add tortilla.
Spread ½ the rice, ½ the salsa, ½ the corn.
Sprinkle cheese.
Layer 3:
Add tortilla.
Spread ⅓ beans, ⅓ meat.
Top with cheese.
Layer 4:
Final tortilla.
Add remaining beans, meat, corn, rice, salsa.
Top generously with cheese.
4. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing.
5. Garnish & Serve
Top with:
- Sour cream
- Diced onion
- Shredded lettuce
Slice and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Warm the refried beans for easier spreading.
- Press layers gently so they hold together when sliced.
- Let the casserole rest before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Use a springform pan if you want a “taco cake” presentation.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs perfectly with:
- Mexican rice
- Tortilla chips and guacamole
- Fresh pico de gallo
- A crisp side salad
For feeding a crowd fast, try These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: ~650
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 35g
Values will vary depending on cheese and tortilla brands.
Storage & Leftovers
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in oven or microwave.
- Freezes well for up to 2 months.
Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy bold, cheesy, family-style dinners, don’t miss:
- This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Tortilla Casserole is layered comfort food at its best — cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor in every bite.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for gatherings. Make it once, and you’ll understand why it’s the kind of recipe you never want to lose.
If you try it, let me know — mild or spicy? Extra cheese? I love seeing how you make it your own.
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