Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe – Hearty Layers of Homey Comfort

There’s a warm, spicy smell that always takes me back to rainy afternoons in my kitchen, and it starts the moment I open a jar of salsa. Right away you’ll know you’re in for something cozy. This Mexican Tortilla Casserole is one of those simple, comforting dishes that hugs you from the first bite, and it belongs in the weeknight rotation. Also, it’s easy enough that the kids can help layer the tortillas. This always reminds me of family dinners on Sundays.

For another layered comfort bake, try this cauliflower casserole if you want a lighter swap.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, so you can get dinner on the table fast.
• Comforting homemade flavor with warm spices and melty cheese.
• Made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Great for any occasion, from cozy weeknights to casual potlucks.
• Always a crowd-pleaser — even picky eaters usually go back for seconds.
  (If you love crowd-pleasing casseroles, you might also enjoy this cheesy bacon and hash brown casserole.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey — choose lean beef for richer flavor, or turkey for a lighter dish.
• 1 small onion, chopped — sweet onions soften and add a mellow bite.
• 1 packet taco seasoning — or use homemade spices if you prefer.
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce — this keeps the layers saucy and flavorful.
• 1 cup salsa — choose chunky salsa for more texture.
• 6 flour or corn tortillas — flour are softer, while corn bring a little more bite.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese — use a melty blend for best results.
• 1 cup refried beans (optional) — they make the casserole creamy and rich.
• 1/2 cup sour cream (plus extra for topping) — cools the spice and adds silkiness.

Chef notes: Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost if you want to sauté a clove with the onion. Also, if you prefer, try this with shredded rotisserie chicken for a twist similar to our cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole.

How to Make It

1. Preheat and prep. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a round or square baking dish. Then set it on a kitchen towel so it’s steady while you build the layers.
2. Brown the meat. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and chopped onion, and cook until browned and fragrant. You’ll hear a soft sizzle and smell the onions sweeten. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add the sauce. Stir in the taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and salsa. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. The mixture should smell tangy and a little smoky, and it’ll thicken just enough to hold between tortillas.
4. Layer with care. Place a tortilla on the bottom of the dish. Spoon a generous layer of the beef mixture over it. Next, add a spoonful of refried beans if using, and sprinkle with a handful of cheese. Then repeat. You’ll want to end with a cheese-covered top so it browns beautifully.
5. Bake until bubbly. Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. The top should be golden, bubbly, and slightly crisp at the edges.
6. Rest and serve. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Finally, dollop sour cream on top and serve warm.

For an alternative layering idea, see how layering works in a classic chicken and stuffing casserole — the technique is similar and comforting.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saver: Brown your meat ahead of time and store it in the fridge; then assemble quickly when you’re ready.
• Fix for soggy tortillas: Briefly warm tortillas in a hot skillet or microwave for 10–15 seconds so they bend without tearing.
• Flavor twist: Stir a handful of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime into the meat mixture for brightness.

Serving Ideas

Serve this Mexican Tortilla Casserole hot from the oven for the best melty texture. Also try these garnish ideas: chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, avocado, pickled jalapeños, or an extra dollop of sour cream. Pair it with a simple side salad, Mexican rice, or crunchy tortilla chips. It’s perfect for family dinners, a cozy night in, or feeding a small crowd.

For more side ideas, I love pairing casseroles with a herby rice like in this chicken broccoli rice casserole — the textures play so well together.

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave covered for 1–2 minutes so it stays moist.
• Leftover idea: Make a cheesy melt or wrap — layer leftovers on a tortilla with extra salsa, then crisp in a skillet.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! Assemble it, then refrigerate and bake when you’re ready. It often tastes even better the next day.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! Use what you have — swap beef for turkey, or add black beans for texture. This recipe is very forgiving.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh from the pan, while it’s still warm and aromatic, with a cold dollop of sour cream on top.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden edges and bubbly cheese. Also the fragrant, tangy aroma will tell you it’s ready!

You can also adapt the layers if you enjoy casserole swaps like the popular versions on sites that feature easy twists.

Final Thoughts

I make this Mexican Tortilla Casserole when I want comfort without fuss. Moreover, it brings back small, lovely memories of laughing around the table with family. So, next time you want a crowd-pleasing, hands-off dinner, give this one a try. You’ll find that the layers of meat, beans, and melty cheese are pure, warm joy — and they’ll soon become a family favorite. Mexican Tortilla Casserole.

Conclusion

For more variations and inspiration, check out this detailed version at The BEST Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe – Savory Simple, and another easy take on the dish at Easy Tortilla Casserole – Recipe Boy.

Mexican Tortilla Casserole

This comforting Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a hearty layered dish that combines tender tortillas, seasoned meat, melty cheese, and flavorful sauces—a perfect weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat and Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey Choose lean beef for richer flavor or turkey for a lighter dish.
• 1 small onion, chopped Sweet onions soften and add a mellow bite.
• 1 packet taco seasoning Or use homemade spices if you prefer.
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce This keeps the layers saucy and flavorful.
• 1 cup salsa Choose chunky salsa for more texture.

Layers and Toppings

• 6 flour or corn tortillas Flour are softer; corn bring a little more bite.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese Use a melty blend for best results.
• 1 cup refried beans (optional) They make the casserole creamy and rich.
• 1/2 cup sour cream Plus extra for topping.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a round or square baking dish. Set it on a kitchen towel for stability while layering.

Cooking

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or turkey with the chopped onion until fragrant. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and salsa. Simmer for about 5 minutes until mixture thickens.

Layering and Baking

1. Place a tortilla at the bottom of the dish, layer with some of the beef mixture, then add refried beans (if using) and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.
2. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Serving

1. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Top with sour cream and serve warm.

Notes

You can brown the meat ahead of time, then assemble quickly when ready. Warm tortillas briefly to avoid sogginess. For extra flavor, add chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice.