There’s something truly comforting about the Cinco de Mayo Casserole Recipe. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, sweet corn, and gooey melted cheese between soft flour tortillas. Whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo or just want a crowd-pleasing meal any night of the week, this casserole combines vibrant colors and rich textures for a fiesta right at your dinner table. It’s incredibly simple to make, yet packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of this Cinco de Mayo Casserole Recipe lies in its easy-to-find, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, adding flavor, creaminess, or that perfect bit of melt that makes this dish irresistible.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein base that soaks up all the spices and juices beautifully.
- Taco seasoning: Brings all the classic Mexican flavors together with a spicy, smoky punch.
- Refried beans: Adds a smooth, creamy layer that balances the savory beef perfectly.
- Corn kernels: For pockets of natural sweetness and a little pop of texture.
- Flour tortillas: The soft layers that bind the casserole and soak up all the delicious fillings.
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend): Melts into gooey goodness that holds everything together and adds richness.
- Salsa: A bright, tangy topping that wakes up every bite.
- Sour cream: The cool, creamy finishing touch that balances the bold spices.
How to Make Cinco de Mayo Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by warming your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden topping.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in the taco seasoning, letting it mingle with the beef for that perfect savory flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Grab a baking dish and begin with a layer of flour tortillas—these soft bases will support the fillings. Next, spread a layer of the seasoned beef, followed by refried beans for creaminess. Sprinkle on some corn kernels for a sweet crunch, then cover everything with shredded cheese. Repeat these layers, finishing off with a generous topping of cheese to achieve that irresistible golden crust.
Step 4: Bake
Place the assembled dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Watch for the cheese to bubble and turn a lovely golden brown—that’s when you know it’s ready to come out.
Step 5: Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for just a few minutes. Top it with fresh salsa and dollops of sour cream. These garnishes not only add color but provide extra layers of flavor and creaminess that make each serving a mini celebration on your plate.
How to Serve Cinco de Mayo Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh cilantro or chopped green onions on top for a punch of color and brightness. Add sliced jalapeños if you’re craving some heat, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to lift all those rich, bold flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with a simple Mexican rice, a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette, or some warm, crunchy tortilla chips. These sides complete the meal and add balance to the comforting layers of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions. You can also layer it in a clear glass dish to show off the vibrant layers or turn it into a potluck-ready dish that’s easy to transport and share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together fully.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it, then wrap the dish securely with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, just be careful not to overheat and dry it out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works beautifully with taco seasoning for a lighter version of the casserole without sacrificing flavor.
What kind of cheese is best for this casserole?
A Mexican cheese blend or sharp cheddar both melt nicely and provide that rich, gooey texture. Feel free to mix in some Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
Is this casserole spicy?
The spice level depends mostly on your taco seasoning and salsa choice. You can adjust it to your liking—mild, medium, or hot—to make it comfortable for everyone at your table.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the beef for sautéed vegetables or a meat substitute and use vegetarian refried beans. It’s just as tasty and satisfying.
How many servings does this casserole provide?
This Cinco de Mayo Casserole Recipe serves about 6 hearty portions, making it perfect for a family dinner or small gathering.
Final Thoughts
This Cinco de Mayo Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes whenever I want something warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet festive enough for any celebration. I can’t wait for you to make it and share it with your loved ones—trust me, it’s bound to be a hit!
Print
Cinco de Mayo Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Cinco de Mayo Casserole is a festive and flavorful layered dish perfect for celebrating with friends and family. Featuring seasoned ground beef, refried beans, corn, and a blend of cheeses layered between flour tortillas, this casserole is baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection and served with fresh salsa and sour cream for a delightful Tex-Mex experience.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 6–8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup salsa, for serving
- 1 cup sour cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then add taco seasoning and a little water according to the seasoning packet instructions. Cook until well combined and flavorful.
- Assemble the Layers: In a baking dish, start by placing a layer of flour tortillas. Next, spread a layer of cooked beef, followed by refried beans, corn kernels, and a generous sprinkling of shredded cheese. Repeat these layers until you use all ingredients, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve the casserole garnished with fresh salsa and a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Refried beans can be replaced with black beans for a different texture.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version, if preferred.
- For spicier flavor, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
