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    Home > Mexican Southwest Recipes > Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef and Corn Tortillas

    Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef and Corn Tortillas

    Published: Oct 4, 2015 · Modified: Oct 1, 2022 by Lea Ann Brown · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Easy Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef

    This Mexican Casserole with Tortillas and Ground Beef is an easy and satisfying way to spice up your dinner plans. Layered with corn tortillas, and a ground beef mixture complete with black beans and sweet corn puts this in the category of irresistible and easy casserole dishes. Did I mention there’s sour cream involved?

    Layered Mexican Casserole in a 9 x 13 pyrex dish with ground beef and corn tortillas, garnished with tomatoes and cilantro

    Mexican casseroles are always popular for pot lucks. Aside from this Mexican casserole with tortillas and ground beef, another popular recipe is this one for Mexican Casserole with Chicken.

    I always welcome the arrival of Autumn and all that comes with it. Crisp air, cool temperatures and of course the food. Which around here includes Roasted Chile Peppers in about e-v-e-r-y-thing.

    Chile Roasters at Whole Foods

    And the air is filled with the aroma of chile when the multitude of roasters fire up their cages to char Pueblo, Hatch, Poblano, Jalapeno chile just so folks like me can make fresh Mexican and Southwestern meals.

    Fall is a wonderful time to be in Colorado. And a wonderful time for this Mexican Casserole with Tortillas and Ground Beef.

    Mexican casserole made with ground beef, corn tortillas, sour cream, pepper jack cheese, sweet corn, black beans and canned tomatoes. Topped with fresh tomatoes, cilantro and jalapeno.

    Thanks to my cousin Pam for introducing this Easy Mexican casserole with ground beef to my Fall collection of goodness. This is one of those things that I simply could not stop eating.

    How To Make Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef

    frying ground beef, tomatoes, beans and corn for a mexican casserole

    Just grab your favorite frying skillet and heat it over medium high heat.

    • Once the skillet is hot, add the ground beef.
    • With your favorite spatula, break the ground beef apart.
    • Once the pink starts to fade from the meat, add the chopped onions.
    • Cook until the onions are starting to soften.
    • Add canned black beans (drained)
    • Frozen or canned yellow corn (drained if using canned) I prefer frozen corn, 1 cup.
    • 2 cans of tomatoes (drained)
    • And 8 chile peppers, roasted, peeled, seeded and chopped. Hatch work great here, Pueblo (Mirisol) Peppers are lovely or 2-4 ounce can of chopped chiles (undrained) make this even easier.
    • Add taco seasoning and 1/2 to 1 cup of water and let simmer for about 10 – 15 minutes or until mixture starts to thicken. Start with 1/2 cup of water and add more if mixture becomes dry. Here’s why:
    • Important Tip: If the mixture is too watery, this will cause the corn tortillas to become soggy during baking. Different taco seasoning mixes may contain different amounts of corn starch (for the thickening agent) This is why I say start with 1/2 cup and add a little more at a time. You want the mixture a little soupy but not watery.

    I urge you to use Homemade Taco Seasoning for this. It’s superior in flavor and void of preservatives. Ever since I discovered smoked paprika a few years ago, I’ve gone crazy using it. And sprinkling some in taco seasoning is no exception and adds a wonderful smoky flavor. I hope you take a look at this recipe.

    If you’d like substitute this homemade mixture, just use about 3 tablespoons instead of a packet of taco seasoning. It brings a whole new level of earthy depth to this casserole. And you’ll love that bold color and bold flavor.

    How to Build This Mexican Casserole with Corn Tortillas

    Laying ingredients for Mexican casserole. Corn tortillas in a clear pyrex baking dish.
    • Spray a 9 x 11 baking dish with PAM
    • Add about 1 cup of the beef mixture as evenly as you can on the bottom of your baking dish. It won’t cover the pan, but will add a barrier for the tortillas so they will stay moist during baking.
    • Place 6 corn tortillas over the ground beef mixture, overlapping them and placing them so they curl up the side of the dish by about a half inch.
    • Cover the corn tortillas with half the remaining beef mixture
    Layered Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef and Corn tortillas topped with sour cream.
    • Spread the sour cream over the beef mixture.
    Mexican casserole layered with ground beef and corn tortillas topped with cheese, ready for oven
    • Place the remaining 6 corn tortillas on top of the sour cream in the same manner you did with the first layer.
    • Add the remaining ground beef mixture.
    • Sprinkle with the cheese.
    Mexican casserole made with ground beef, corn tortillas, sour cream, pepper jack cheese, sweet corn, black beans and canned tomatoes. Topped with fresh tomatoes, cilantro and jalapeno.
    • Bake the casserole in a 350 degree oven for 25 – 30 minutes.
    • Let the casserole sit for about 5 – 10 minutes. Cut into squares and serve. YUM!
    Mexican casserole made with ground beef, corn tortillas, sour cream, pepper jack cheese, sweet corn, black beans and canned tomatoes. Topped with fresh tomatoes, cilantro and jalapeno. Served on Mexican colored appetizer plates

    Recipe for Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef

    Zesty and loaded with all of your favorite Mexican flavors, what’s not to love. This is a great weeknight meal that will reward you with some tasty leftovers, which means you don’t need to worry about cooking for the next evening…or two.

    As much as I love to spend time in the kitchen fussing over dinner, I’m also always looking for quick and easy dinner ideas. This Mexican Casserole With Ground Beef and Corn Tortillas is one that fits that bill.

    It’s a favorite here On The Ranch and it’s a classic layered Mexican Casserole recipe that’s filled with flavor. Quick and easy, family friendly, I hope you give this a try.

    If you make this recipe, please come back and give it a star rating and please leave a comment about your experience with the recipe.

    And if you have a favorite Mexican Casserole with ground beef and corn tortillas, let me know, I’d love to give it a try.

    More Mexican Recipes With Beef

    • Chile Rubbed Braised Beef Tacos with Red Cabbage Slaw
    • Ground Beef Enchiladas With Red Chile Gravy
    • Mexican Pot Roast, Just Right Spicy
    • New Mexico Stacked Enchiladas

    And if you’re in the eternal mood for Mexican Recipes, don’t miss my Mexican Southwest Category. And the most popular recipe in that category, Fried Tacos.

    And, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Make it a delicious day … every day.

    If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below. And write a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback.

    Layered Mexican Casserole in a 9 x 13 pyrex dish with ground beef and corn tortillas, garnished with tomatoes and cilantro

    Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef and Corn Tortillas

    Easy and satisfying this Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef is a popular recipe around our house.
    4.93 from 40 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Mexican
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    Servings: 16
    Calories: 158kcal
    Author: Lea Ann Brown

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound lean ground beef
    • 1 medium onion chopped
    • 1 cup frozen corn thawed. You can use 1 can, drained. I prefer 1 cup frozen corn.
    • 1-15 ounce black beans canned, drained and rinsed
    • 2-3 tablespoons taco seasoning
    • 1/2 – 1 cup water start with 1/2 cup. See note below.
    • 12 yellow corn tortillas
    • 2-15 ounce chopped tomatoes canned, drained
    • 8 green chile peppers Hatch, Poblano, or Pueblo, roasted, chopped
    • 1 cup sour cream
    • 1 cup Pepper Jack Cheese
    • Sliced jalapeno peppers, chopped tomatoes and chopped cilantro for garnish
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • In a large fry pan, brown ground beef. When the pink is starting to fade, add onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
    • Add corn, beans, tomatoes, chiles and taco seasoning and water. Mix well and simmer for 10 minutes.
    • Spray 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray.
    • Place 1 cup of ground beef mixture on the bottom of the pan. Place half of the tortillas on top of the ground beef, overlapping and placing them so they come about 1/2 inch up the side of the casserole dish.
    • Spoon half of the remaining beef mixture on top of the torttillas and spread the sour cream over the beef. Layer the rest of the corn tortillas and then the rest of the beef mixture. Top with the grated cheese.
    • Place in heated 350 degree F. oven and bake for 25 minutes. Garnish with sliced jalapenos, chopped fresh tomatoes and chopped cilantro. Let stand for 5 minutes and serve.

    Video

    Notes

    • Important Tip: If the mixture is too watery, this will cause the corn tortillas to become soggy during baking. Different taco seasoning mixes may contain different amounts of corn starch (for the thickening agent) This is why I say start with 1/2 cup and add a little more at a time. You want the mixture a little soupy but not watery.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 184mg | Potassium: 214mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 177IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @lannisam or tag #CookingOnTheRanch!

    Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef  …It’s what’s for Dinner.

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    Comments

    1. Ina Gawne says

      February 04, 2023 at 4:21 pm

      Hi Lea Ann. We made this dish over the weekend with a few variations and it was delicious!. Will be doing a blog post with a link back to you! Thanks for sharing, Ina

      Reply
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    I'm Lea Ann, A Culinary School Grad bringing you Wild West Colorado inspired recipes. You'll find lots of Southwestern, and Mexican food recipes, and some favorites from Culinary School along with pro cooking tips. If you're an adventurous home cook looking to spice up your meal plans, you'll find plenty of inspiration and reliable, approachable, easy to follow recipes.

    More about me →

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