If you’re craving a dish that bursts with warmth, bold flavors, and a touch of comfort, this Mexican Fiesta Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a vibrant medley of seasoned ground beef, black beans, sweet corn, and zesty tomatoes, all layered with cheesy goodness and baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this casserole brings together the heart of Mexican-inspired tastes in one satisfying, easy-to-make meal that’s impossible not to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mexican Fiesta Casserole Recipe keeps things refreshingly straightforward with ingredients that are both familiar and essential. Each one plays a vital role—adding texture, color, and bold flavor to your dish without any fuss.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that brings savory richness to the casserole.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth that elevates every bite.
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Provides creamy texture and a boost of protein.
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained: Adds a pop of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies: Brings zesty flavor and a gentle smoky heat.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Helps bind everything together while offering a comforting bite.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic cheesy finish.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds creamy texture and a mild tang.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Signature spice that infuses deep Mexican flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Earthy warmth that complements the chili powder perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a gentle smoky undertone without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
- Sour cream and sliced jalapeños for serving (optional): Perfect cooling and spicy toppings to finish.
How to Make Mexican Fiesta Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Setting the right temperature early ensures your casserole bakes evenly and develops that irresistible golden cheese crust.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic. This combo creates the flavorful foundation of your casserole. Cook until the meat is nicely browned and the onions are soft, then drain the excess fat to keep the dish from feeling greasy.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for about a minute—a small step that makes a big difference by releasing the spices’ aromas and intensifying the flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Beans, Corn, Tomatoes, and Rice
Next, add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and cooked rice to the skillet. Mix everything together and allow it to cook for another 3-4 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Transfer your vibrant mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This sets the stage for the cheese layer that will seal in all the tasty goodness.
Step 6: Layer the Cheese
Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. These two cheeses melt perfectly together, creating that luscious, bubbly finish everyone loves.
Step 7: Bake Until Bubbling
Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is golden, melted, and delightfully bubbly—inviting you to dive right in.
Step 8: Cool and Garnish
Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This little pause helps set everything before serving. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and add dollops of sour cream or sliced jalapeños if you like a bit of tang or heat.
How to Serve Mexican Fiesta Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped cilantro, a scoop of creamy sour cream, and thinly sliced jalapeños are fantastic garnishes that add contrast and freshness. They bring cool, vibrant accents that harmonize with the casserole’s warm, cheesy layers.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, serve this casserole with simple sides like a crisp green salad, tortilla chips, or a dollop of guacamole. These sides lighten the meal and provide textural harmony, turning your Mexican Fiesta Casserole Recipe into a full celebration on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, consider serving this casserole in individual ramekins or layering it inside baked bell peppers for a fun twist. Adding a sprinkle of pickled red onions on top can also elevate the presentation with a pop of color and tangy crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better the next day—just the kind of dish you want on busy weeknights.
Freezing
You can freeze any extra Mexican Fiesta Casserole Recipe by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or storing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, perfect for meal prep or quick dinners on demand.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You can also microwave individual portions, but reheating in the oven keeps that delightful texture and cheesy finish intact.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for more beans, diced veggies, or plant-based crumbles to keep all the delicious flavors while making it vegetarian-friendly.
What type of rice works best?
Any cooked rice will do, but long-grain white or brown rice works best for texture and flavor. Make sure it’s fully cooked before adding.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh diced tomatoes can be used. You might want to add a little extra seasoning and cook them slightly to mimic the texture and tang of canned tomatoes with chilies.
How spicy is this dish?
It has a mild to moderate heat level from the chili powder and green chilies in the tomatoes. You can adjust the spice by adding more jalapeños or swapping for milder peppers depending on your preference.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly after baking?
It’s best to freeze before baking for optimal texture. However, baked leftovers can also be frozen and reheated, though the texture might be slightly different.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Fiesta Casserole Recipe is such a delightful way to bring bold, comforting flavors to your table with minimal effort. Every bite feels like a celebration, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without this easy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing dish!
Print
Mexican Fiesta Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Mexican Fiesta Casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, tomatoes with green chilies, and rice, all topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and jalapeños, it makes for a perfect family-friendly dinner bursting with classic Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
Grains and Cheese
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnishes (Optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream for serving
- Sliced jalapeños for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until the spices become fragrant, allowing their flavors to develop.
- Combine with Veggies and Rice: Add the drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and cooked rice to the skillet. Mix everything well and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For added spice, increase the amount of diced green chilies or include extra jalapeños.
- Use brown rice or quinoa as a healthier grain alternative.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the ground beef and double the beans or add meatless crumbles.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
