Traditional Mexican Layered Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

This Traditional Mexican Layered Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of Mexico in a simple, layered format. It's perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together, with layers of seasoned beef, beans, cheese, and tortillas melding into a deliciously satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Traditional Mexican Layered Casserole

Let's break down what each ingredient brings to the table. The heart of the dish is the ground beef, providing a savory base that's enhanced by the spices. The onion and garlic add depth and aromatic richness. Olive oil is used to sauté these aromatics, making them sweet and tender.

Cumin, chili powder, and paprika are the key spices, lending warmth and a hint of heat. Salt and black pepper round out the seasoning. Black beans and corn introduce texture and subtle sweetness, while the diced tomatoes bring a juicy acidity that balances the richness.

The corn tortillas act as the comforting layers that hold everything together, and shredded cheddar cheese provides a creamy, melty top. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro gives a fresh, bright contrast to the baked layers.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your tortillas are too stiff, warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable.
  • For a bit of extra heat, add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
  • Use a good quality cheese for the best melt and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of guacamole or a simple green salad. Consider serving it with a light Mexican crema or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavors. A squeeze of lime over the top can also brighten up the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or increase the amount of beans and corn for a hearty vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just bake it as directed when you're ready to eat.

Traditional Mexican Layered Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it's ready to go once your casserole is assembled. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up your olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them sauté until the onion turns translucent. This usually takes about 5 minutes.

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. You want to cook it until there's no pink left. Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, and let it cook for another couple of minutes. This is where the flavors start to build.

Now, stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Mix everything well and let it simmer together for a good 5 minutes. This gives all those flavors a chance to meld.

To assemble the casserole, grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Lay down four corn tortillas at the bottom, overlapping them slightly. Spread half of your beef mixture over the tortillas and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.

Cover the dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool slightly and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Brings the authentic taste of Mexico to your kitchen without complex steps.
  • Simple layering technique makes it easy to prepare and serve.
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings and sides.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
8 small corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
6. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, lay down four corn tortillas, overlapping slightly.
7. Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
8. Place the remaining four tortillas over the cheese layer, then top with the rest of the beef mixture and remaining cheese.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!