If you’re craving the bold, comforting flavors of Mexican food but don’t want to roll individual burritos or fry up tacos, this Mexican Tortilla Casserole is your new go-to recipe! With layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, melty cheese, spiced rice, corn, and salsa all wrapped in soft flour tortillas, it’s like a taco night party wrapped into one convenient, baked dish.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this casserole comes together easily and delivers all the crave-worthy Tex-Mex flavors your family loves—with minimal mess and maximum flavor.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Mexican Tortilla Casserole

✅ Layered and loaded with classic taco ingredients
✅ Easy to prepare and bake in one dish
✅ Freezer and meal prep-friendly
✅ Family-approved comfort food
✅ Customizable for spice level, meat preferences, and cheese type

Whether you’re celebrating Taco Tuesday or just need a one-pan dinner that satisfies every time, this casserole fits the bill.

🛒 Ingredients – Pantry Staples with Fiesta Flair

This recipe uses common ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or freezer:

1 lb. ground beef
½ cup diced onion
1 packet taco seasoning mix
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can refried beans (heat slightly for easier spreading)
1 cup prepared rice (Minute Rice works great)
1 can Mexican blend corn, drained (you’ll use about half the can)
4–5 large flour tortillas
8 oz chunky salsa (your favorite: mild, medium, or hot)

📝 Tip: A springform pan or round cake pan works best for perfect layering, but any casserole dish will do.

👩‍🍳 Directions – Stack It, Bake It, Devour It

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a round springform, cake pan, or casserole dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a skillet over medium heat:

Brown the ground beef and onion until the beef is no longer pink.
Drain off excess grease.
Stir in taco seasoning and cook according to package directions (usually adding water and simmering until thickened).

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Here’s how to build your layered taco bake:

Layer 1:
- 1 tortilla
- Spread ⅓ of the refried beans
- Add ⅓ of the meat mixture
- Sprinkle with cheese
Layer 2:
- 1 tortilla
- Add ½ of the cooked rice
- Spoon over ½ of the salsa
- Add ½ of the corn
- Top with cheese
Layer 3:
- 1 tortilla
- Spread another ⅓ of the beans
- Add ⅓ of the meat
- Sprinkle cheese
Layer 4:
- 1 tortilla
- Spread final ⅓ of beans
- Add remaining meat
- Add leftover corn, rice, and salsa
- Top generously with cheese

Step 4: Bake It

Cover the pan tightly with foil.
Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes to brown the top.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to serve neat portions.

🧂 Optional Toppings – Finish with a Fresh Touch

Top the baked casserole with any of the following for added flavor and flair:

Sour cream
Diced red onion or green onion
Shredded lettuce
Sliced jalapeños
Chopped fresh cilantro
Diced tomatoes or guacamole

🕒 Recipe Snapshot

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 50–55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yields: 6–8 servings
Skill Level: Easy
Dish Type: One-pan Mexican casserole

🔁 Variations and Swaps

Meatless Option: Use black beans, pinto beans, or lentils instead of ground beef
Spice it Up: Use hot salsa, pepper jack cheese, or crushed red pepper flakes
Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend
Tortilla Options: Corn tortillas can be used, but may create a slightly different texture
Add Veggies: Layer in bell peppers, spinach, or sautéed zucchini

🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

This casserole stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping or leftovers.

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze unbaked or baked for up to 2 months
Reheat: Microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until warmed through

💬 What Readers Say

“Taco night in one dish—my family devoured it and I barely had leftovers!”
— Janine D.

“I added a layer of guacamole after baking and it took it to another level.”
— Carlos M.

“Made this for a potluck and everyone asked for the recipe!”
— Tracy W.

📌 Final Thoughts – Your New Favorite Taco-Inspired Bake

This Mexican Tortilla Casserole is hearty, family-friendly, and bursting with flavor in every bite. From weeknight dinners to casual get-togethers, it’s a satisfying and soul-warming dish that gets rave reviews every time.

Just layer, bake, and top with your favorite garnishes—it’s that easy. And the best part? You only need one dish, minimal cleanup, and a hungry crowd to feed.