24 Mexican Casserole Recipes You Have to Try
Updated: Jul. 26, 2024
Mexican casserole recipes take inspiration from go-to Mexican foods. Delivering on flavor with minimal effort, you're sure to find a weeknight staple in this roundup.
The best time to make Mexican casserole recipes: when you’re craving burritos or enchiladas but your schedule is packed. It takes time and patience to cook authentic Mexican foods! To get all the flavor without the hassle, layer the ingredients in a casserole dish and bake at 350°F.
Here, you’ll find a compilation of popular casserole recipes for 8×8 and 13×9-inch pans. With all the time you’ll save not having to prepare a whole feast, craft a round of Mexican drinks to go with dinner.
Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken, salsa verde, corn tortillas, cheese
Level: Beginner
Salsa verde, or green sauce, is made with hot or mild peppers and tomatillos. It’s often a brightly-flavored companion to heavy or smoky dishes. You can use a jarred salsa like the recipe calls for or make salsa verde from scratch.
This is a rich and surprisingly tasty rendition of a number of Tex-Mex dishes fused into one packed, beautiful casserole. Best of all, it’s ready in hardly any time! —Recipe contributor Janet McCormick, Proctorville, Ohio
Cheesy Chile Casserole
Total Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Cheese, chiles, eggs, salsa
Level: Beginner
A Mexican brunch or breakfast makes for a sizzling, delicious start to the day. This recipe calls for green chiles or poblano peppers. They’re a mild and sweet variety, so if you like spice, we recommend throwing in diced jalapeno or habanero.
A short list of ingredients packs full flavor in this easy-to-assemble casserole. Serve it as the star of your next southwestern meal. —Recipe contributor Phyllis Bidwell, Las Vegas, Nevada
Fold-Over Tortilla Bake
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, cheese
Level: Beginner
This recipe layers savory beef, enchilada sauce and warm tortillas spread with cheesy goodness. You can use cream cheese as directed or, if you want a more authentic approach, go for an option like queso Cotija, queso fresco or even requesón.
Here’s something a little different to shake up taco night. But don’t reserve this zippy dish for a weeknight—it’s perfect for potlucks and serving company, too. something a little different from the usual tacos. It’s special enough for potlucks or dinner guests. —Recipe contributor Deborah Smith, DeWitt, Nebraska
Pork and Green Chile Casserole
Total Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Pork, black beans, condensed cream of chicken soup, rice, cheese
Level: Beginner
Although Spaniards brought pork to Mexico, the cuisine has soaked it right up, incorporating pork into carnitas, chicharrónes, bolillos and more. If you want to lighten this recipe up, swap the condensed cream of chicken soup for chicken or vegetable stock (just be sure to use less, as it’s more watery and less creamy).
I work at a local hospital and another job part time, so I’m always on the lookout for good, quick recipes to fix for my family. Some of my co-workers and I exchange recipes. This zippy casserole is one that was brought to a picnic at my house. People raved over it. —Recipe contributor Dianne Esposite, New Middletown, Ohio
Burrito Bake
Total Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, crescent rolls, refried beans, cheese
Level: Intermediate
It’s true that many Mexican dishes use meat, but if you’re vegetarian, plenty of recipes are still accessible. In this casserole, for example, you can use a meat substitute like soy chorizo, crumbled firm tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
Back when I was in college, my roommate would frequently make this economical baked burrito casserole. It’s so easy to put together, and one serving goes a long way. —Recipe contributor Cindee Ness, Horace, North Dakota
Mexican Egg Casserole
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Eggs, all-purpose flour, cheese, tomatoes
Level: Beginner
The special ingredient in this casserole is baking powder, which gives the egg bake a light and fluffy texture. Want to make it gluten-free? Experiment with with gluten-free flours to find the consistency you prefer. Serve with a hearty topping of salsa.
Tomatoes and green chiles give color and zip to this extra-cheesy egg bake. It’s a favorite for breakfast or brunch but it can be enjoyed for lunch or supper, too. —Recipe contributor Mary Steiner, West Bend, Wisconsin
Southwestern Casserole
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, kidney beans, cheese
Level: Intermediate
This recipe embraces both Mexican and American ingredients, resulting in a casserole that’s pleasing to a range of palates and preferences. If you want to make this dish lighter, nix the kidney beans and cut the portion of ground beef in half, using black or pinto beans instead.
I’ve been making this mild family-pleasing southwest casserole for years. It tastes wonderful and fits nicely into our budget. Best of all, the recipe makes a second casserole to freeze and enjoy later. —Recipe contributor Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Tex-Mex Summer Squash Casserole
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Yellow summer squash, all-purpose flour, salsa, cheese
Level: Beginner
When you need side dish recipes to serve a group, whip up this casserole. Sprinkle the top with panko crumbs to form a nice crust over the salsa and cheese topping.
Mild-flavored yellow squash gets a big boost from flavor-packed chiles, jalapenos and red onion. This side dish also works with zucchini. —Recipe contributor Tommy Lombardo, Euclid, Ohio
Firecracker Casserole
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, flour tortillas, black beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, tomatoes
Level: Beginner
The cheese pull on this casserole is unmatched! The condensed cream of mushroom soup sets it apart from your typical Mexican casserole. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, opt for cream of celery soup or sour cream. Just be aware of the liquid content to avoid making it too soupy.
My husband and I love this southwestern-style firecracker casserole. The flavor reminds us of enchiladas, but the recipe doesn’t require the extra time to roll them up. —Recipe contributor Teressa Eastman, El Dorado, Kansas
Taco Salad Casserole
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, tortilla chips, peppers, refried beans, cheese
Level: Intermediate
This casserole balances creamy with crunchy thanks to the tortilla chips. If you have both the interest and time, making your own tortilla chips is a fun project. Just be sure not to make too many at once because freshness is key.
This taco casserole recipe tastes like a taco salad and is a breeze to assemble. I crush tortilla chips to form a bottom layer, then spread on refried beans, a spicy meat mixture and cheese. —Recipe contributor Rhonda McKee, Greensburg, Kansas
Chicken Chiles Rellenos Casserole
Total Time: 55 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Rotisserie chicken, cornbread, peppers, cheese
Level: Beginner
If you want to recreate the flavors of chiles rellenos in a fraction of the time, this casserole is it. The recipe calls for Oaxacan cheese, also known as quesillo. You can likely find it at a Latino grocery store but if not, mozzarella will do.
My husband likes Mexican food and casseroles, so I combined the two. This chicken with poblanos and chiles satisfies our craving for dinner at a Mexican restaurant. —Recipe contributor Erica Ingram, Lakewood, Ohio
Mexican Chicken Bake
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, rice, evaporated milk, cheese
Level: Beginner
Between the savory chicken, cream and rice, this bake makes great comfort food. Serve with a crisp salad for flavor and texture contrast.
I’ve had this Mexican chicken bake recipe for 30 years. Since my kids, grandkids and guests of all ages request it often and it takes only about 30 minutes to make, I have it at least once every other month! —Recipe contributor Linda Humphreys, Buchanan, Michigan
Breakfast Burrito Casserole
Total Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Eggs, pork sausage, tortillas, condensed cream of chicken soup, cheese
Level: Intermediate
Flour tortillas are generally softer than corn tortillas, which means they’ll soak up all the flavors in this breakfast burrito casserole. If you prefer soft or runny yolks, crack the eggs directly into the casserole dish.
A friend gave me this burrito casserole recipe and I modified it to fit our family. It’s perfect for a brunch, because you can prep it the night before and bake it the next morning. —Recipe contributor Krista Yoder, Due West, South Carolina
Fiesta Chicken
Total Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, corn tortillas, cheese
Level: Beginner
Fiesta means party in Spanish so, as the name implies, this casserole is a great dish to bring to a party. If you want to add your own spin, try incorporating liquid smoke into the layers—be careful, a little goes a long way!
Chili powder and picante sauce add just the right dash to this hearty main dish. It’s a snap to assemble since it uses convenience foods. —Recipe contributor Teresa Peterson, Kasson, Minnesota
Black Bean Tortilla Casserole
Total Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Black beans, corn tortillas, canned tomatoes, cheese
Level: Beginner
Beans and corn have been cultivated and used in Mexican kitchens for centuries, and their flavors are undeniably compatible. If you have a difficult time digesting beans, black-eyed peas are a good substitute.
A cousin gave me this recipe because she knows my family loves southwestern fare. It’s one of our favorites. —Recipe contributor Sue Briski, Appleton, Wisconsin
Taco Cornbread Casserole
Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, cornbread, corn kernels, rice, cheese
Level: Intermediate
With cornbread, corn kernels and corn chips, this casserole redefines the word “corny.” You can also substitute ground beef for shredded chicken or pork, making this a versatile recipe.
A whole can of chiles adds fire to this casserole. For less heat, you can use just enough of the can for your taste. —Recipe contributor Lisa A. Paul, Terre Haute, Indiana
Slow-Cooker Chorizo Breakfast Casserole
Total Time: 4 hours, 25 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Fresh chorizo, shredded hash browns, eggs, milk, cheese
Level: Intermediate
Unlike Spanish chorizo that has been aged, Mexican chorizo is fresh. If you’re curious and you can find it, green chorizo is a special, regional variety in Mexico. It gets its color from the mixture of herbs and peppers used.
My kids ask for this hearty slow-cook casserole for breakfast and dinner. I’ve served it with white country gravy or salsa. It’s delightful either way. —Recipe contributor Cindy Pruitt, Grove, Oklahoma
Chicken Tortilla Bake
Total Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken, condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, corn tortillas, chiles
Level: Beginner
Between the creamy soups, cheese and chicken, this recipe is full of umami. It calls for canned green chiles, but if you have the time, I recommend buying fresh varieties like Anaheim or poblano.
Mother frequently made this comforting chicken tortilla casserole when I was growing up. Our family would scrape the pan clean. Chicken, cheese and zippy green chiles are a mouthwatering mix. —Recipe contributor Jerri Moror, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Enchilada Casserole
Total Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, enchilada sauce, corn, tortillas, cheese
Level: Beginner
Canned is good, but homemade enchilada sauce is even better. If you’re pressed for time, this casserole will freeze and thaw exceptionally well, so making it in batches is possible.
Every time I serve this dish, I get satisfied reviews—even from my father, who usually doesn’t like Mexican food. Plus, it smells delicious while baking. —Recipe contributor Nancy VanderVeer, Knoxville, Iowa
Turkey and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
Total Time: 50 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Ground turkey, canned tomatoes, corn tortillas, black beans, cheese
Level: Intermediate
The turkey is native to Mexico, so although this recipe seems like a departure from the usual beef or pork, it’s more authentic in a sense. If you want a smoky hit, drop a dried chipotle chile in the pan while the turkey cooks.
When I don’t feel like pulling out the slow cooker, my next favorite weeknight meal is this warm black bean enchilada casserole! This recipe is easy and tasty. What’s even better is that it’s gluten-free, and could also be made dairy-free, vegetarian or vegan. —Recipe contributor Kristine Fretwell, Mission, British Columbia
Chili Tortilla Bake
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, black beans, tomato sauce, tortillas, cheese
Level: Beginner
In my opinion, cheese recipes are among the simple pleasures of life. This chili tortilla bake comes out bubbling and crispy from the thick layer of cheddar spread across the top.
A homestyle Tex-Mex casserole is all it takes to gather the whole family around the dinner table. With its popular flavors and bubbly cheese topping, there is never a need to worry about leftovers. —Recipe contributor Celine Weldy, Cave Creek, Arizona
Chorizo Egg Casserole
Total Time: 1 hour + standingMain Ingredients: Fresh chorizo, eggs, hash browns, cheese
Level: Intermediate
Because all the ingredients meld together in one dish, this breakfast casserole is great to pack with you when you’re on the go. For a perfect portion every time, try making this recipe in a muffin tin.
Growing up on chorizo and egg burritos, I decided it was time for a remake. In the morning when I make coffee, I pop this in the oven and an hour later, breakfast is ready! —Recipe contributor Relina Shirley, Reno, Nevada
Mexican Street Corn Bake
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Corn, chipotle pepper, mayonnaise, cheese
Level: Beginner
In Mexico, street corn is dressed in a variety of ways, depending on personal taste. If you want to elaborate on this recipe, try using a homemade salsa or swapping the Parmesan for a different kind of cheese, like Cotija.
We discovered Mexican street corn at a festival. This easy one-pan version saves on prep and cleanup. Every August I freeze a lot of our own fresh sweet corn and then I use that in this recipe, but store-bought corn works just as well. —Recipe contributor Erin Wright, Wallace, Kansas
Cheesy Fiesta Beef Casserole
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, condensed cream of chicken soup, black beans, tortilla chips, cheese
Level: Intermediate
This casserole is cheesy and satisfying and one of our favorite potluck recipes. If you want, you can easily turn this casserole into a dip! Just skip adding the chips to the pan and instead, serve them alongside.
Over the years I’ve tweaked this recipe to end up with a delicious, quick weeknight meal. Feel free to spice it up with jalapenos if you prefer a little heat. —Recipe contributor Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Originally Published: September 07, 2018
