Delicious Mexican Layered Casserole with Beef and Cheese

Welcome to a mouthwatering journey with our flavorful recipe for Mexican Layered Casserole! This dish is a scrumptious twist on traditional lasagna, featuring cheesy layers, seasoned beef, and a medley of toppings that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you’re planning a cozy family night or entertaining a crowd, this Mexican-inspired casserole is sure to steal the show.

The magic begins with a harmonious blend of canned black beans, green chiles, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and savory taco seasoning, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the heart of Mexico with each bite. As you layer corn tortillas with the delectable mixture of beef and cheese, every spoonful promises a burst of cheesy goodness and bold, comforting aromas that remind you of home-cooked meals.

This Mexican Layered Casserole is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a versatile dish that welcomes personal touches and ingredient swaps. Whether you opt for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or a plant-based alternative, this casserole is a canvas for your culinary creativity. So, gather your favorite toppings, prepare to savor the gooey goodness, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food bliss with each slice of this delightful casserole.

Quick Benefits

• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients like ground beef for ground turkey, and black beans for pinto or kidney beans to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Make-ahead: Prepare this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days, or freeze it for later, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
• Versatile Toppings: Serve with a variety of toppings like avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, and sour cream to customize each slice and add fresh flavors and textures.
• Hearty and Flavorful: Layers of seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and fire-roasted tomatoes create a dish packed with flavor that will satisfy a crowd or hungry family.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Mexican Layered Casserole with Beef and Cheese Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The layers of seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and Mexican-inspired ingredients create a burst of flavors in every bite.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family nights or feeding a hungry group, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone.
• Easy Leftovers: Tastes even better when reheated, making it a convenient option for meal prep or busy days.
• Nostalgic Feels: The use of fire-roasted tomatoes and toasting tortillas adds a nostalgic touch, reminiscent of homemade, comforting meals.
• Versatile Options: Allows for ingredient substitutions like ground turkey or shredded chicken, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences.
• Make It Your Own: Customizable with extra chiles, roasted veggies, or various toppings, giving you the freedom to create your unique flavor combinations.
• Convenient Prep: Can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking, simplifying mealtime.
• Gluten-Free Option: Using corn tortillas keeps the recipe gluten-free, while still offering a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Delicious Mexican Layered Casserole with Beef and Cheese

Meat Filling

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 450 g ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 60 g taco seasoning
• 425 g canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 410 g canned fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
• 115 g canned green chiles
• 120 ml water

Assembly

• 650 g shredded jack and cheddar cheese blend
• 18 corn tortillas

For Serving

• 1–2 medium tomatoes, diced
• Sour cream, to taste
• 1 bunch green onions, sliced

Pro Tips for Delicious Mexican Layered Casserole with Beef and Cheese

Pro tips for making Mexican Layered Casserole: For extra flavor, consider toasting the corn tortillas on a stove burner before layering them in the casserole, just like grandma used to do. This will add a delicious charred taste to the dish. Additionally, leaving the tomato juice from the fire roasted diced tomatoes in the mixture will enhance the overall juiciness and flavor of the casserole.

To make this recipe lighter, try substituting ground beef with ground turkey. This swap will still provide heartiness while reducing the overall fat content. When assembling the casserole, ensure to not discard the tomato juice from the canned tomatoes, as it contributes to keeping each bite juicy and flavorful. Lastly, for a gluten-free version, stick to using corn tortillas and verify that your taco seasoning is free of gluten-containing ingredients.

How to Make Delicious Mexican Layered Casserole with Beef and Cheese

Step 1: Garnish and Serve

Top with sliced green onions and diced fresh tomatoes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side.

Step 2: Rest Before Serving

Remove the hot dish from the oven and allow it to rest for approximately 10 minutes to facilitate easier slicing and better cohesion.

Step 3: Bake

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Step 4: Repeat Layering

Repeat the layering process twice more to create three stacks, each consisting of a tortilla, beef, and cheese.

Step 5: Layer Meat and Cheese

Spread one-third of the filling onto the tortillas, then sprinkle approximately 215 g of cheese on top.

Step 6: Assemble the First Layer

Arrange 6 tortillas in a single layer on the bottom of a greased pan, overlapping as needed to fill any gaps.

Step 7: Incorporate Tomatoes, Chiles, and Beans

Add black beans, green chiles, and canned tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine and heat for a few minutes.

Step 8: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Add garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in taco seasoning and water, mixing everything thoroughly.

Step 9: Cook the Beef and Onions

In a large pan over medium heat, cook diced onions and ground beef until onions are soft and meat is browned.

Step 10: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 175°C and grease a 23×33 cm baking pan with oil or butter.

Storage Tips

Once the Mexican Layered Casserole is cooked and cooled, store any leftovers in the fridge by slicing it up and wrapping it in foil or placing it in a sealed container. When ready to reheat, you can either warm it in the oven covered with foil or in the microwave. If you plan to freeze the casserole, wrap it tightly and thaw it in the fridge before reheating to help it hold together better during the heating process.

For a customized twist on this dish, consider substituting ground turkey, shredded chicken, or a plant-based crumble for the beef. You can also use pinto or kidney beans if you don’t have black beans on hand, and yellow corn tortillas work best, though white corn or flour tortillas can be used as alternatives. When serving, accompany warm slices of the casserole with lime wedges, avocado, or crunchy lettuce, and consider adding Mexican rice on the side for a heartier meal. Offer toppings like jalapeños, olives, cilantro, and hot sauce for diners to create their own flavor combinations.

The versatility of this Mexican Lasagna allows for endless customization, whether by adding extra chiles, roasted veggies, or other ingredients to suit your preferences. Embrace the opportunity to make it your own while enjoying the comforting aromas that fill the kitchen and the satisfaction of serving a dish that brings everyone together for a delicious meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter option, consider substituting the ground beef with cooked ground turkey or shredded chicken. Both options provide a leaner protein source while still maintaining the heartiness of the dish. If you prefer a plant-based version, try swapping the beef with a plant-based crumble for a meat-free alternative.

If you don’t have black beans on hand, feel free to use pinto or kidney beans as substitutes. These beans offer a similar texture and flavor profile, making them suitable replacements in the Mexican Layered Casserole. Additionally, while the recipe calls for yellow corn tortillas for sturdiness, you can use white corn or flour tortillas if that’s what you have available in your pantry.

To enhance the cheesy goodness of the casserole, opt for a combination of jack and cheddar cheese blend. These cheeses melt beautifully together, providing a creamy texture with a hint of sharpness. Remember to retain the tomato juice from the canned fire roasted diced tomatoes, as it adds moisture and flavor to the dish, creating a juicy and well-seasoned sauce for the layers.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on this Mexican Layered Casserole, try serving it in individual ramekins to create portion-controlled mini lasagnas. Layer the tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese in each ramekin and bake until bubbly and golden. Top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of green onions, and a few diced tomatoes for a cute and customizable presentation.

To make a festive taco bar, set out bowls of various toppings like sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, pickled jalapeños, and hot sauce alongside the Mexican Layered Casserole. Let everyone customize their own plate by adding their favorite toppings on top of a warm slice of the casserole. This interactive dining experience is perfect for gatherings and allows guests to personalize their meal to their taste preferences.

FAQs for Delicious Mexican Layered Casserole with Beef and Cheese

Can I make this Mexican Layered Casserole ahead of time?

Sure thing! Just build your layers, stick it in the fridge, and bake later when you want. Makes dinnertime easy.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Go for ground turkey if you want. It brings a lighter vibe but still keeps all the heartiness you’re after.

Why should I use a combo of jack and cheddar cheese in this casserole?

Grab a combo of jack and cheddar—they melt great together and give you creamy goodness and a little sharp bite.

Should I drain the tomato juice from the canned fire roasted diced tomatoes?

Don’t dump the tomato juice out—leave it in. That extra liquid keeps every bite juicy and adds punch to your sauce.

Conclusion

When it comes to comfort food that brings everyone together, Mexican Layered Casserole is always a winner. The versatility of this dish allows you to get creative with the ingredients, making it a perfect go-to for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, the layers of flavors will always leave you craving more.

So, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of this Mexican Layered Casserole for your next family gathering or cozy night in. With its hearty and satisfying appeal, it’s sure to become a staple on your menu rotation. Gather your favorite toppings, layer on the love, and watch as this casserole disappears in no time. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious dish, and savor every bite of this comforting and flavorful Mexican classic.