Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes, making the dish a bit lighter but still totally satisfying. Just make sure to season well and cook thoroughly.

Do I have to use refried beans?

Refried beans create a creamy, sturdy texture in the layers, but if you’re not a fan, mashed black beans or even whole beans will work as a swap.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it covered. Just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the colder temperature.

What’s the best way to keep the tortillas from getting soggy?

Using thicker flour tortillas helps, but layering them with cheese and beans between helps seal them from excess moisture, so they hold their structure even after baking.

Layered Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe

Name: Layered Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 57 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs. ground beef (80/20); 1 onion, diced; 1 pack taco seasoning mix; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 can refried beans (about 16 oz), divided; 1 cup prepared Spanish rice, divided; 1 cup Mexican blended corn and peppers, fresh or ready-made, divided; 4-5 large flour tortillas; 8 oz thick chunky salsa, divided; Cilantro, to garnish

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s bold, comforting, and unbeatable on a busy weeknight, this Layered Mexican Tortilla Casserole checks every box. Picture cheesy layers of seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, fluffy Spanish rice, and sweet corn, all tucked between tender tortillas and baked to bubbly perfection. Every bite bursts with flavor, and the best part? This casserole comes together quickly and requires only a handful of everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll want to add to your regular rotation, whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving a taste of Mexican-inspired comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Layers of Flavor: You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to create this mouthwatering casserole. Everything is layered in the baking dish and baked—so simple!
Fast Prep, Minimal Mess: From start to finish, you’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour, most of it hands-off. There’s hardly any cleanup—just one skillet and a baking dish.
Comfort Food Classic: Creamy refried beans, zesty ground beef, melty cheddar cheese—need I say more? The flavors are deeply savory and perfectly balanced.
Versatile and Family-Friendly: It’s easy to adjust for different tastes. Even picky eaters will find something to love—especially with that cheesy, golden finish on top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into the magic—plus a few helpful notes to guide you along the way:

Ground Beef: The heart of the casserole, providing rich, meaty flavor. Lean 80/20 blend cooks up tender and juicy.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef—don’t skip it!
Taco Seasoning Mix: The secret to bold, classic taco flavor. Use your favorite brand or homemade blend.
Cheddar Cheese: For creamy, melty richness—sharp or mild both work well.
Refried Beans: Create those ultra-satisfying, creamy layers. Canned or homemade both work!
Spanish Rice: Adds a little extra heartiness and a burst of Tex-Mex flavor. Leftover rice is perfect here!
Mexican Corn-Pepper Blend: Sweet corn and colorful peppers give each bite texture and a hit of fresh flavor. Found in the produce section, or use frozen in a pinch.
Flour Tortillas: The delicious base of each layer. Large tortillas work best for full coverage.
Chunky Salsa: For juicy tanginess and a touch of heat. Go as mild or spicy as you like!
Cilantro: The perfect finishing touch for freshness and color.

Tip: Don’t forget non-stick cooking spray to keep everything from sticking to the pan and make cleanup a breeze!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to shake things up or accommodate what you’ve got on hand? Here are some tasty ideas:

Make it Vegetarian: Swap the beef for cooked lentils, black beans, or extra refried beans. You won’t sacrifice any flavor!
Switch the Cheese: Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different melt and flavor profile.
Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, sautéed zucchini, or even chopped spinach can be layered in for extra color and nutrients.
Spice It Up: Add sliced jalapeños or extra hot sauce between the layers for a little kick.
Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.

How to Make Layered Mexican Tortilla Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray your casserole dish generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticking later.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

In a large skillet, combine ground beef, diced onion, and taco seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbly. Lower the heat and let it continue to sauté for another 10 minutes; this helps all those bold flavors meld together.

Step 3: Start Layering

Lay two large tortillas across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spread a third of the refried beans evenly across, then spoon over a third of your savory beef mixture and finish with a layer of cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Build the Middle Layers

On top of your first layer, add another tortilla, then top with half of the Spanish rice, half of the salsa, half of the corn blend, and another sprinkle of cheese. Add another tortilla, followed by another round of beans, meat, and cheese. For the fourth layer, use another tortilla and pile on more beans, meat, corn, rice, salsa, and cheese.

Step 5: Finish and Bake

Top with the last tortilla, cover with foil, and bake for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle generously with more cheddar cheese, and pop it back in the oven for another 10 minutes until the top is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole cool slightly, then top with fresh cilantro and dive in!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Layering is Key: Press each layer down gently as you go so that you maximize the number of layers and ensure a tidy slice later.
Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: That golden, melty top is a big part of the casserole’s appeal.
Let It Rest: Wait at least 10 minutes before slicing—this helps everything set up perfectly for clean, hearty slices.
Customize Heat: Taste your salsa before adding—spicy or mild, it sets the tone for the whole dish. You can always serve extra hot sauce at the table!

How to Serve

This casserole doesn’t need much to shine, but here are a few favorite pairings:

Garnishes

Scatter with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or fresh jalapeño for bite and color. A dollop of sour cream or a side of guacamole makes every forkful even creamier.

On the Side

A simple salad of crisp lettuce and tomatoes with a light lime dressing, or scoop up bites with crunchy tortilla chips.

Family-Style

Place the baking dish right on the table and let everyone serve themselves—it’s the best way to create a fun, relaxed vibe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the casserole completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This casserole is fantastic for freezing! Slice it into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftover slices in the microwave or covered in the oven at 350°F until fully heated through. Add a little extra cheese on top, if you like!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes, making the dish a bit lighter but still totally satisfying. Just make sure to season well and cook thoroughly.
Do I have to use refried beans?

Refried beans create a creamy, sturdy texture in the layers, but if you’re not a fan, mashed black beans or even whole beans will work as a swap.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it covered. Just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the colder temperature.
What’s the best way to keep the tortillas from getting soggy?

Using thicker flour tortillas helps, but layering them with cheese and beans between helps seal them from excess moisture, so they hold their structure even after baking.

Final Thoughts

Layered Mexican Tortilla Casserole takes everything you love about Tex-Mex comfort food and turns it into a no-fuss, crave-worthy weeknight meal. Every layer promises big flavor and total satisfaction—and it’s endlessly adaptable. Don’t be surprised if this soon becomes your go-to recipe when you need dinner fast but still want something absolutely delicious. Now’s the perfect time to grab those tortillas, fire up the oven, and treat yourself to a hearty, cheesy slice. Enjoy every bite!