Mexican Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
For the Beef Filling
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
1 cup salsa
1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz/425 g) corn, drained
1 can (10 oz/280 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), drained
½ cup water or beef broth
For the Casserole
3 cups crushed tortilla chips or 8 corn tortillas cut into pieces
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar + Monterey Jack)
½ cup sour cream
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened (optional for extra creaminess)
Optional Toppings
Chopped cilantro
Diced avocado
Jalapeño slices
Sliced green onions
Sour cream
Salsa
Lime wedges
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef
Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
Add onion and cook for about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Make the Filling
Add:
Taco seasoning
Salsa
Black beans
Corn
Diced tomatoes
Water or broth
Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add Creaminess
Mix in:
Sour cream
Cream cheese (if using)
Cook until smooth and combined.
5. Assemble
Layer in the baking dish:
Half of the tortilla chips or tortillas
Half of the beef mixture
Half of the cheese
Repeat the layers.
6. Bake
Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
7. Rest & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Top with cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, green onions, or sour cream.
Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional)
Mix together:
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp oregano
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp cayenne (optional)
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
Freezer: Up to 3 months
Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
This casserole pairs well with Mexican rice, a green salad, guacamole, or tortilla chips.
