Craving a cozy, crowd‑pleasing dinner that’s ready in under an hour? This Mexican Tortilla Casserole layers soft tortillas with black beans, corn, tomatoes, warm spices, and plenty of melty cheddar for a bubbly, golden bake that tastes like comfort in every bite. It’s vegetarian, budget‑friendly, and designed for busy weeknights—but impressive enough for game day or casual company.
Looking for an easy, cheesy, and comforting meal that checks all the boxes? This tortilla casserole is a family‑favorite vegetarian dinner that’s simple to assemble and impossible to resist. Think of it as a layered Tex‑Mex lasagna: tortillas stand in for noodles, a hearty bean‑and‑corn mixture brings plant‑based protein and sweetness, and cheddar blankets the top for that glorious, bubbly finish. Add a dollop of cool sour cream and fresh cilantro, and dinner is done.
Whether you’re feeding hungry teens, meal‑prepping for the week, or entertaining friends, this casserole delivers big flavor with pantry staples—and you can scale it up, tone down the heat for kids, or spice it up for chili‑heads. Keep reading for ingredients, step‑by‑step instructions, pro tips, storage, serving ideas, and a helpful FAQ to guarantee success.
Why This Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe Works
- Layered for balance: Stacking tortillas with a saucy bean mixture keeps the bake juicy (not dry) while creating that satisfying, sliceable structure.
- Pantry‑based convenience: Canned beans, corn, and tomatoes mean less chopping and faster prep—without sacrificing flavor.
- Built‑in customization: Corn or flour tortillas, mild or spicy chiles, cheddar or a Monterey Jack blend—this casserole adapts to your preferences.
- Weeknight‑friendly method: One skillet + one 9×13 pan + 30 minutes of baking = dinner on the table in 45 minutes.
- Leftovers that reheat beautifully: The layers hold together even better on day two, making this ideal for meal prep.
- Layered tortillas create structure while staying tender—learn more about tortillas and their types.
- Beans add fiber and protein; see the overview on beans and legumes from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
- Even browning = flavor. For more casserole technique tips, browse Serious Eats’ casserole guides.
Ingredients For The Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe
- 6 large tortillas, corn or flour (learn about different tortilla types)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar–Monterey Jack blend)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (drain lightly if extra juicy)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (benefits of cumin)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup sour cream, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Variations and Swaps
- Tortillas: Use corn for a toastier, gluten‑friendly option; use flour for softer, sturdier layers. Whole‑wheat tortillas add nuttiness and fiber.
- Cheeses: Pepper Jack for heat, Oaxaca or mozzarella for extra melt, or a 50/50 cheddar–Monterey Jack blend for balance.
- Veggie boosters: Bell peppers, zucchini, or baby spinach sauté beautifully into the filling.
- Protein additions: Stir in 1–2 cups cooked shredded chicken or seasoned ground turkey/beef for a meat‑lover’s version.
- Make it spicier: Add jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or a drizzle of hot sauce before baking.
- Make it creamier: Spread 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt over the middle layer for an ultra‑lush bite.
Serving The Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe Suggestions
Round out your plate with:
- Lime‑cilantro rice or Mexican‑style rice
- Crisp green salad with avocado and a cumin‑lime vinaigrette
- Sides of sliced radishes, pickled red onions, and fresh lime wedges
- Toppings bar: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, sliced jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips for crunch
Want more flavor on the side? Serve it with our homemade salsa and fresh guacamole for an extra kick. For a full menu, browse our vegetarian meal collection for easy weeknight inspiration.
Storage Of The The Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe, Reheating, and Make‑Ahead
- Fridge: Cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave (60–90 seconds) or reheat the pan at 325°F until hot.
- Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
- Make‑ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance; cover and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge at 350°F, adding 5–10 minutes.
Food‑safety note: Keep dairy‑topped casseroles refrigerated promptly and reheat leftovers to steaming hot before serving.
FAQs
Q: Corn or flour tortillas—what’s best?
A: Both work. Corn lends a toasty, classic flavor and holds up well; flour gives a softer, more lasagna‑like texture. If you’re gluten‑sensitive, choose certified gluten‑free corn tortillas.
Q: Can I add meat?
A: Yes. Stir in 1–2 cups cooked shredded chicken, turkey, or seasoned ground beef. Reduce added salt slightly if your meat is pre‑seasoned.
Q: Can I make this dairy‑free?
A: Use your favorite dairy‑free shreds and swap sour cream for a cashew‑ or coconut‑based alternative. Add 2–3 tablespoons nutritional yeast to the filling for extra “cheesy” depth.
Q: How do I prevent a soggy casserole?
A: Let the filling simmer to reduce excess liquid, lightly drain tomatoes, and rest the baked casserole for 5 minutes before slicing.
Q: Can I make it spicier/milder?
A: For more heat, add jalapeños, chipotle powder, or hot sauce. For milder flavor, use a mild chili powder and skip spicy add‑ins.
Q: What size pan should I use?
A: A 9×13‑inch pan is perfect. For thicker layers, use a 9×9 and add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Tortilla Casserole proves that weeknight‑easy and company‑worthy can be the same thing. With simple pantry ingredients, customizable heat, and layers of cheesy goodness, it’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners, potlucks, or make‑ahead meal prep. Keep the staples on hand, and you’ll always have a satisfying vegetarian dinner just 45 minutes away.
Nutrition quick note
Beans are linked with heart health and satiety—see the science overview from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
For ingredient nutrition data, browse USDA Food Data Central.