Mexican Casserole
Mexican Casserole layers sauce, filling, and topping into a hearty baked meal.
About This Recipe
Mexican Casserole is built in layers so the filling, sauce, and topping bake together.
Rest the dish briefly before serving so each portion holds its shape.
Ingredients
- ✓2 cups cooked brown rice (or quinoa or other grain of choice—about 2/3 cup uncooked)
- ✓1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ✓1 yellow onion (chopped)
- ✓1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- ✓1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- ✓1 pound lean ground beef (or swap ground chicken or ground turkey)
- ✓2 tablespoons chili powder
- ✓1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ✓1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- ✓1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ✓1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ✓2 cloves minced garlic (about 2 teaspoons)
- ✓1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- ✓1 can reduced fat refried black beans (15 ounces)
- ✓3/4 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- ✓3/4 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ✓1 10-ounce tomatoes with green chiles
- ✓Fresh cilantro (for serving)
- ✓Chopped green onions (for serving)
Ingredient Notes
- Filling: Cook wet fillings enough so the casserole is not watery.
- Sauce: Use enough sauce to keep the center moist.
- Topping: Add cheese, crumbs, or pastry for texture.
- Resting: Let the casserole settle before slicing.
Instructions
- 1
Be sure to cook your rice if you haven’t already (if you are just reading this and just now realized you don’t have any cooked rice and don’t want to wait, consider switching to quinoa, which cooks much more quickly than brown rice. Instant brown rice also works in a pinch). Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a large casserole dish (9x13 inch or similar) with nonstick spray and set aside.
- 2
In a Dutch oven or large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the beef, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Continue to sauté until the beef is cooked through and no longer pink, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 additional minute.
- 4
Remove from the heat. Stir in the rice and Greek yogurt until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- 5
Assemble the casserole: Spread the beans into an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
- 6
Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese over the beans.
- 7
Scatter the tomatoes with green chilis over the top.
- 8
Spoon the rice and ground beef mixture on top of the tomatoes, spreading it into an even layer.
- 9
Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/2 cupmozzarella.
- 10
Bake the casserole, uncovered, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot, about 15 minutes.
Katy’s Kitchen Tips
- Drain watery fillings before layering.
- Spread sauce evenly.
- Cover if the top browns too quickly.
- Rest before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- Herb finish: Add parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, or chives.
- Spicier version: Increase chili, cayenne, black pepper, or hot sauce.
- Saucy version: Serve with gravy, salsa, pan sauce, or yogurt sauce.
- Meal prep: Use leftovers in bowls, wraps, salads, or sandwiches.
What to Serve With Mexican Casserole
Serve Mexican Casserole with a green salad, steamed vegetables, pickles, or simple bread.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat covered with a splash of water, broth, or sauce to restore moisture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Watery filling: Extra moisture can make the center loose.
- Uneven layers: Uneven layers bake and serve poorly.
- Overbrowned top: Cover loosely if the top browns too fast.
- No rest time: Resting helps slices hold together.
FAQ
Can I make Mexican Casserole ahead?
Yes. Reheat with a little extra liquid or sauce if needed.
How do I avoid mushy texture?
Stop cooking when just tender and let carryover heat finish the job.
Can I add vegetables or protein?
Yes, as long as extra moisture is controlled.
How should I reheat leftovers?
Reheat covered with a splash of liquid to restore moisture.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 447 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 77 mg
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g