Description
Looking for a bold, cheesy, quick dinner idea that uses everyday ingredients? *Mexican Beef Trash Casserole* is your new go-to comfort food. This easy recipe combines seasoned ground beef, salsa, corn, tortillas, beans, and loads of cheese into a hearty, flavorful, layered bake. Perfect for weeknights, parties, or lazy weekend dinners—this dish is a budget-friendly way to turn pantry staples into something unforgettable. Whether you’re after a quick dinner, food ideas to use up leftovers, or just love easy recipes packed with flavor, this casserole hits every note.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
0.5 cup water
1 cup salsa
1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
6 flour or corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend)
0.5 cup chopped onion (optional)
0.5 cup chopped bell pepper or jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion and bell pepper if using, until soft.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
4. Drain excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning and 0.5 cup of water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add salsa, corn, and black beans to the beef mixture and mix well.
6. In the prepared dish, layer tortillas on the bottom. Top with a layer of the beef mixture, then cheese. Repeat layers.
7. Finish with a generous layer of cheese on top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use slightly stale tortillas to prevent sogginess and improve structure.
Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
Letting the casserole rest before slicing ensures clean layers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: easy recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, casserole, beef casserole, cheesy dinner, Mexican bake