If you are craving something hearty, flavorful, and easy to throw together, this Mexican casserole is a go to recipe that delivers every time. It combines seasoned meat, beans, cheese, and bold spices into one satisfying dish that feels like a cross between tacos and a baked comfort meal. Everything bakes together into layers of flavor that are rich, filling, and perfect for busy nights.
This is the kind of recipe that works whether you are cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just trying to use up ingredients you already have on hand. It is flexible, budget friendly, and incredibly satisfying. You can keep it simple or load it up with toppings depending on what you are in the mood for. Once you make it, it will quickly become part of your regular dinner rotation.
Love easy casserole recipes like this one try Baked Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole, Bubble Up Meatball Sub casserole, Pizza Pasta Casserole, Deep Dish Pizza Casserole, or Bubble Up Breakfast Casserole.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy one dish meal with minimal cleanup
- Packed with bold, savory Mexican inspired flavors
- Great for meal prep and reheats well
- Budget friendly using pantry staples
- Easy to customize with different proteins and toppings
- Family friendly and filling
Ingredients Needed
- Extra lean ground beef (drained or rinsed!) - Is considered better than higher fat options for several reasons. First, it has less saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues. Additionally, it tends to have fewer calories per serving, making it a good option for those watching their weight. The 96% lean ground beef from Aldi is my favorite.
- Onion (chopped) - use minced onion or onion powder if you don't like onions
- Canned jalapeno slices, chopped
- Fresh tomatoes, chopped or 1 (15 oz) can diced canned tomatoes
- Can kernel corn (drained) - refers to corn that has been harvested, cooked, and preserved in a can. It is a popular food item due to its convenience and long shelf life. However, some people prefer fresh or frozen corn for its taste and texture.
- Black beans (rinsed and drained) - are a convenient and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are a great source of protein and fiber, and can be added to salads, soups, stews, and even dips.
- Taco seasoning mix - Is a blend of spices used to flavor ground beef or other meats for use in tacos. It typically includes a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sometimes salt and pepper. It can be purchased pre-mixed, or made at home using individual spices. I usually buy the Lower Sodium Taco Seasoning packets such as Mrs Dash.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
How to Make Mexican Casserole
Step 1: Brown ground beef and chopped onions in large skillet; brown 10 to 12 minutes or until thoroughly cooked, stirring constantly. Drain all fat from skillet and return beef/onions to skillet.
Step 2: Add corn, black beans, tomatoes, chilies/jalapenos, and taco seasoning mix; mix well. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes.
Step 3: Meanwhile spray a 12x8-inch (2-quart) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cut each tortilla in half; place 8 halves in the bottom of the sprayed baking dish, overlapping slightly.
Step 4: Spoon half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas. Spoon sour cream over beef mixture; spread evenly. Top with the remaining 8 tortilla halves and remaining beef mixture. (Cover tightly with foil & Freeze for later OR cook as directed below…).
Step 5: (Thaw overnight if frozen) Heat oven to 350ºF. Bake at 350ºF for 25 minutes. Remove from oven; sprinkle with cheese. Cover; let stand 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with fresh chopped lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, black olives, etc…
Serving Size: Slice the casserole into 6 equal portions. Serving size is 1 slice.
I hope you like this casserole dish just as much as I did! Serve with your favorite taco condiments such as sour cream, avocado, etc....
Pro Tips for Mexican Casserole
- Use freshly cooked rice or day old rice for the best texture
- Do not skip draining the beans to avoid excess moisture
- Add a layer of crushed tortilla chips on top before baking for extra crunch
- Taste the mixture before baking and adjust seasoning if needed
- For extra flavor, stir in a little lime juice before baking
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This casserole holds up very well and is perfect for reheating throughout the week.
To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1 to 2 minutes or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through.
You can also freeze this casserole. Place it in a freezer safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mexican casserole with your favorite toppings to make it feel like a full taco night. Sour cream, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and diced tomatoes all pair perfectly with the flavors in this dish.
You can also serve it with a side of tortilla chips, a simple green salad, or even wrap it in a tortilla for a burrito style meal. For a lighter option, pair it with shredded lettuce and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh contrast.
Topping Ideas for Mexican Casserole
Avocado and tortilla chips will be more points!
- shredded lettuce
- salsa or pico
- avocado slices
- cilantro lime rice
- light tortilla chips
- simple side salad
Recipe FAQs
In a standard casserole recipe, there is protein, vegetables, starch, sauce, and cheese. Sometimes there will be dairy added to the casserole. This recipe can be made into so many new recipes just by changing the 5 components of a casserole! Instead of tortillas add cooked pasta!
Casseroles are usually layered dishes and they get slowly cooked in the oven covered in foil.
Casserole is the name of the dish used to cook with, whereas hot dish is the meal itself
More Great Weight Watcher Recipes to Try
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Weight Watchers Mexican Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Easy
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Weight Watcher's Mexican Casserole is going to be your favorite new casserole recipe. It's packed with ground beef, tomatoes, corn, and black beans.
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra lean ground beef (drained or rinsed!)
- ½ cup onion (chopped)
- ¼ cup canned jalapeno slices, chopped
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped or 1 (15 oz) can diced canned tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kernel corn (drained)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 (1 ¼ oz) package taco seasoning mix
- 8 corn tortillas
- ¾ cup nonfat sour cream
- ⅓ cup reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, shredded
- ⅓ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped, to taste (or less (or more)
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onions in large skillet; brown 10 to 12 minutes or until thoroughly cooked, stirring constantly. Drain all fat from skillet and return beef/onions to skillet.
- Add corn, black beans, tomatoes, chilies/jalapenos and taco seasoning mix; mix well. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile spray 12x8-inch (2-quart) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cut each tortilla in half; place 8 halves in bottom of sprayed baking dish, overlapping slightly.
- Spoon half of beef mixture evenly over tortillas. Spoon sour cream over beef mixture; spread evenly. Top with remaining 8 tortilla halves and remaining beef mixture. (Cover tightly with foil & Freeze for later OR cook as directed below…).
- (Thaw overnight if frozen) Heat oven to 350ºF. Bake at 350ºF for 25 minutes. Remove from oven; sprinkle with cheese. Cover; let stand 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with fresh chopped lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, black olives, etc…
- Slice the casserole into 6 equal portions. Serving size is 1 slice.
Notes
My WW Personal Points: 7 Click here to see in recipe builder (will have to log in)
Instead of tortillas add some cooked pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙th of the pan
- Calories: 355
- Sugar: 8.2
- Fat: 5.9
- Saturated Fat: 2.2
- Carbohydrates: 52.3
- Fiber: 10.4
- Protein: 26.7
Marylin says
Easy and excellant! Definately going in my keeper recipe file.
MARY O. says
Excellent, thank you
Jenna says
Yes you can. Just assemble everything in the casserole dish and let it cool before placing it in the fridge.
Katie says
Can I make this ahead and refrigerate?
Thinking make Sunday & bake Wednesday!
Annie says
I’ve made this now multiple times. Obviously we love it. Quick and easy!
Loretta Phillips says
Just made this tonight. Delicious and very filling
Lisa says
Omg this was delicious. Ty
Ashley says
I’m trying this for my family tonight! Thanks for sharing.
Jenna says
Thanks Sandy!
Sandy Drake says
This is a very good recipe, we would hold the sour cream to put on after it bakes as the cream appeared to break,
It turned grainy, otherwise it was great, added taco sauce with the lettuce, tomato, etc.
Thank You