Easy and Delicious Mexican Casserole (Guaranteed Party Favorite)

This hot dish isn’t just a party favorite, it’s yours, too. Your guests will love the smooth and creamy hamburger mix and satisfying crunch of baked corn tortillas. And you’ll love the brief prep time and large serving size! Mexican casserole is flavorful, easy to make, and a guaranteed party favorite.

Why you’ll love this Mexican casserole

If you’re looking for a go-to dish to add to your recipe box, here’s why this Mexican casserole is a great candidate:

Feed more with less prep

Feeding a crowd? This Mexican casserole recipe mostly uses canned ingredients, so it’s simple to assemble and a breeze to double for twice the servings without twice the effort. Even the seasonings are made simple by using a taco seasoning packet, which means the smaller measurements that can slow down a recipe are taken care of in one go.

An easy second meal

Schedules don’t always allow for meal prepping, which is why a recipe that can offer two meals for one prep is a lifesaver. Make and bake one, freeze the other—and you’ve got a hot meal for the night and another ready for a rainy day, a busy week, or a sick friend.

Why your guests will love this Mexican casserole

This dish has the versatility your guests will notice, too, for all the right reasons:

Accommodates dietary preferences

Casseroles are naturally versatile: you can’t go wrong with a few substitutions or additions. If your guests have allergies, prefer a vegetarian option, or are in the mood for some spice, you can easily accommodate all their preferences with this one dish.

Just as good at home or on the go

This dish is a crowd pleaser no matter where you serve it–bring it on the road to a party, or serve it at home for a weeknight dinner. This casserole is perfect for any occasion, and in a Host Modern dish it will always taste as hot and melty as when you pulled it out of the oven.

Learn more: How to Keep Food Hot When Transporting →

How to make easy and delicious Mexican casserole

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 packet taco seasoning
1 (15 oz.) can refried beans
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz.) can corn, drained
1 (16 oz) jar of salsa
1 (10 oz.) can enchilada sauce (optional)
3 cups crushed tortilla chips or quartered corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Optional toppings: jalapeños, sour cream, cilantro, black olives, tomatoes, onions, shredded lettuce

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the beef

Cook the ground beef and onion and drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning with the amount of water recommended on the package.

Step 2: Make the layers

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a baking dish, layer the tortilla chips (or tortilla quarters) at the bottom. Add a layer each of half the refried beans, ground beef, corn, black beans, salsa, enchilada sauce, and cheese. Repeat the layers, beginning with the tortilla chips and finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

Step 3: Bake

Bake the casserole in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden light brown. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the layers to settle.

Step 4: Garnish and serve HOT

Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, and any of the other optional toppings. To keep it perfectly fresh for your event, slip it into an insulated casserole dish to seal in the heat until you’re ready to serve.

Tips to make a Mexican casserole that’s perfect for your event

A quality party recipe will always offer some versatility, and this recipe offers some easy options for customizing it to suit your guests every time.

Make it spicier: Expecting guests who like a kick? Sprinkle jalapeños in the layers for a fresh and tangy twist. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will top this dish off as a fiery favorite.
Make it milder: When spice is not the mood of the night, use a milder salsa or substitute the salsa with a 10 oz. can of Ro-tel (a canned diced tomato and green chili blend).
Make it vegetarian: For a great way to ditch the meat without sacrificing the heartiness, mix some rice and extra veggies like bell pepper, zucchini, and corn to use in place of your meat layer.
Make it early: This dish doesn’t lose any of its flavor in the fridge! Make your night simpler by preparing it a day early, refrigerating it and baking it just before serving.

What do I serve with Mexican casserole?

Mexican casserole is a delicious meal on its own, but a true host will know the sides are where the real party is. We recommend these sides to bring a happy balance to your dinner:

Fresh and crunchy: a cheesy meal is only made better by a fresh salad. To keep it fast and easy, throw together a package of caesar salad and top off with some toasted croutons.
Warm and flavorful: add some comfort to the spread with a bowl full of Mexican rice (we like Rice-A-Roni or Knorr).
Colorful and sweet: lean into the color for your table and boil some juicy corn on the cob. Offer butter and salt for your guests, and you have a combo that wins both the palates and the pictures. Pro tip: Stick with the theme and prepare Mexican street corn by spreading mayonnaise or sour cream on the corn and topping with chocotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.

What dessert works well with Mexican casserole?

It's a universal truth: no matter how full, there's always space for dessert. A well-chosen sweet treat is a host's secret weapon, and these desserts offer the perfect finishing touch to your party.

1. Crispy cinnamon elephant ears

Otherwise called fry bread, doughboys, beaver tails, or bunuelos, elephant ears are a simple recipe that brings a fun flair to the end of your meal. Just fry some tortillas in a frying pan with vegetable oil, and immediately shake in a covered container with 3 cups of sugar and 3 teaspoons of cinnamon. You’ll want at least one warm and sugary elephant ear per guest. One word of warning - the sugar will get everywhere when you eat it, and it’s totally worth it!

2. Spicy brownie mix

One of our favorite plot twists is a sweet, chocolate dessert with an unexpected savory flavor. Simply add milk or coffee to a brownie mix instead of water, and toss in a few dashes of chili powder or cinnamon to the batter. To give your brownies an elegant touch, top each warm brownie with a small scoop of cool vanilla ice cream and a dusting of chili powder.

3. Fresh fruit popsicles

Let’s not overcomplicate things–if you’re serving Mexican casserole on a warm summer evening, a fresh fruit popsicle can be a delightful pop of flavor for kids and adults alike. Especially if you decided to use our tip to add some extra spice to your recipe, licking a cool, sweet popsicle on the deck is the most satisfying finish to the night. If you’d like to go the extra mile by making your own, you’ll just need some fresh fruit, yogurt or fruit juice, and a popsicle mold.

4. Hot apple streusel

A sweet end to a savory meal can’t be overstated, and one that takes less than ten minutes to pop into the oven is even better. This super simple hot apple streusel recipe is a regular favorite of ours, and it’s the perfect finish to a Mexican casserole meal.

Step 1: First, mix together these ingredients for the topping:

1/2 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step 2: Dump two 21 oz. cans of apple pie filling in a deep pie dish, 9x13, or our Host Modern casserole dish. Top evenly with the cinnamon oat topping.

Step 3: Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes covered with foil, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until bubbling and brown.

To keep it steaming hot until dessert, slip your dish into our insulated carrier and just uncover when your guests are ready for a sweet surprise.Pack it up and go, worry-free

A warm, cheesy Mexican casserole is always a crowd-pleaser, and this recipe is a favorite in our house. It's layered with flavor and has a satisfying crunch, perfect for gatherings. To keep everything piping hot and organized, we rely on our Host Modern insulated casserole dish. It makes transport effortless, ensuring a stress-free arrival with an elegant, steaming spread. the carrier neatly stacks three dishes, which means If you prepare the casserole, a side, and a dessert, you’re all set to go!

Who doesn't love a meal that's both easy and delicious? This simple casserole is just that – quick to assemble and packed with flavor. We can't wait for you to try it! Stay tuned for more effortless, tasty recipes coming your way.

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