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A scoop of cheesy taco casserole with ground beef on a spatula, being lifted from a baking dish.

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole (The Ultimate Easy Recipe)

This cheesy, savory Mexican Ground Beef Casserole layers seasoned ground beef, tortilla chips, enchilada sauce, and loads of cheese into a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal ready in under an hour. A perfect weeknight dinner!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Casserole
  • 1 lb lean ground beef 85/15 or 90/10 recommended
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 oz packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade
  • 15 oz can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 15 oz can corn drained
  • 15 oz can red enchilada sauce
  • 8 oz tortilla chips about 6 cups, slightly crushed
  • 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Optional Toppings
  • Sour cream
  • Diced avocado
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish
  • 1 Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until beef is fully browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Add the taco seasoning, rinsed black beans, drained corn, and half of the enchilada sauce. Stir to combine and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Spread a thin layer (about 1/4 cup) of the remaining enchilada sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  5. Arrange a layer of tortilla chips over the sauce. Top with half of the ground beef mixture, then sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
  6. Repeat the layers: another layer of tortilla chips, the remaining ground beef mixture, and another 1 cup of cheese.
  7. Top with a final layer of tortilla chips and the last cup of cheese.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Tip 1: For the best results, use freshly shredded cheese. It melts much smoother than pre-shredded varieties.
Tip 2: Use sturdy, restaurant-style tortilla chips that can hold up to the sauce without becoming mushy.
Tip 3: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time.