Throw Together Mexican Casserole

A Fast and Easy Throw Together Mexican Casserole

There’s something comforting about a dish that brings the whole family running to the dinner table, and this best throw together Mexican casserole recipe does exactly that. Picture layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and vibrant Mexican flavors all baked together into one satisfying dish that screams comfort food.

I discovered this gem during one of those hectic weeknights when the fridge was nearly empty, but I still needed to feed my hungry crew. What started as a “let’s see what we can make with what we have” experiment quickly became our go-to family friendly throw together Mexican casserole that we now make at least twice a month.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its flexibility and speed. You can literally throw it together in about 15 minutes of prep time, making it an easy throw together mexican casserole for beginners or busy parents who need dinner on the table fast. The flavors meld together beautifully as it bakes, creating that perfect combination of spicy, cheesy, and hearty that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just want something delicious without the fuss, this recipe delivers every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal prep time – Everything comes together in one dish with basic pantry staples
• Incredibly versatile – Customize with whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand
• Make-ahead friendly – Assemble in the morning and bake when you’re ready to eat
• Budget-conscious – Uses affordable ingredients that stretch to feed a family
• Leftovers taste amazing – Actually gets better the next day as flavors develop

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Ground beef forms the protein base of this simple throw together mexican casserole meal, but ground turkey or chicken work beautifully for a leaner option. I’ve even used leftover rotisserie chicken with great success.

Mexican cheese blend gives you that perfect melty, stretchy cheese pull we all crave. If you only have cheddar or Monterey Jack on hand, those work too. For a healthy throw together mexican casserole version, try using reduced-fat cheese or even cashew-based alternatives.

Black beans add protein and fiber while keeping costs down. Pinto beans or kidney beans are excellent substitutes, and if someone in your family isn’t a bean fan, you can easily omit them or substitute corn.

Salsa is your flavor powerhouse here. Use whatever heat level your family prefers, from mild to extra spicy. Homemade salsa takes this dish to the next level, but quality jarred salsa works perfectly for a quick throw together mexican casserole recipe.

Tortilla chips create that satisfying crunch factor. I prefer slightly broken chips rather than whole ones – they distribute better and create more interesting texture throughout each bite.

How to Make It

The secret to this homemade throw together mexican casserole lies in building layers of flavor rather than just dumping everything together. Start by browning your ground beef thoroughly – this creates those delicious caramelized bits that add depth to the overall dish.

When you mix in your seasonings and salsa, let everything simmer for a few minutes. This allows the meat to absorb all those beautiful Mexican flavors instead of just coating the surface. Don’t skip this step even though you’re in a hurry!

The layering process is where the magic happens. Spread your meat mixture evenly in the baking dish, then add your beans and vegetables. The cheese goes on top, but here’s my secret: save some cheese to add halfway through baking. This gives you both melted cheese throughout and that gorgeous golden top layer.

Those crushed tortilla chips scattered on top during the last 10 minutes of baking create the perfect textural contrast to all that melted cheese goodness.

Tips for Success

Drain your meat well before adding other ingredients to prevent a greasy casserole. Pre-shred your own cheese instead of using pre-packaged – it melts more evenly and tastes fresher. Don’t overbake – you want the cheese melted and bubbly, not dried out and tough.

Let it rest for about 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps everything set up properly and makes serving much cleaner. Taste and adjust seasonings before baking – every salsa has different salt levels, so you might need to add a pinch more cumin or chili powder.

Storage & Reheating

This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For reheating, I prefer using the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through – this keeps the cheese from getting rubbery like it sometimes does in the microwave.

You can absolutely freeze this for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing it before baking for best results. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to account for the chill.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is fantastic on its own, but I love serving it with fresh toppings that everyone can customize. Set out bowls of sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños. A simple side salad with lime vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.

For a complete Mexican feast, pair this with some homemade guacamole and Spanish rice for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the meat and double up on beans, or use crumbled firm tofu seasoned with taco spices.

What if I don’t have Mexican cheese blend?
Any melting cheese works – cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella will be delicious.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Notes

This recipe has become such a staple in our house that my kids now request it for birthday dinners – high praise from the under-10 crowd! I love how it brings everyone together around the table, and there’s something so satisfying about creating a delicious, filling meal from simple ingredients most of us already have in our kitchens. It is one of our favorite homemade throw together mexican casserole ideas.

The best part? It’s nearly impossible to mess up, making it perfect for new cooks or anyone who wants maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• Cooked egg noodles
• Ground beef
• Corn
• Salsa
• Sliced black olives
• Taco sauce
• kidney beans
• Taco seasoning
• Tomato sauce
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

How to make the Throw Together Mexican Casserole:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2. Add the ground beef to a skillet over medium-high heat and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3. Place the taco seasoning, taco sauce, salsa, olives, corn, beans and tomato sauce into the skillet with the meat and stir to combine.

Adding the taco seasoning.

Adding the beans.

Adding the corn.

Adding the olives.

Adding the taco sauce.

Adding the tomato sauce.

Step 4. Add the meat mixture to the cooked noodles and toss to combine well.

Step 5. Layer the mixture into a well-greased 9×13 baking dish.

Top with shredded cheese if desired.

Step 6. Bake for 30 minutes and serve topped with green onions for garnish.

OMG THIS IS DELICOUS!!

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