If you want to celebrate with a burst of flavors and colors that truly honor the festive spirit of Cinco de Mayo, this Cinco de Mayo Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a vibrant, layered dish packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, sweet corn, melty cheese, and warm tortillas that come together into one irresistible casserole. Whether you’re serving family or friends, this dish makes every bite feel like a fiesta, bringing comfort, joy, and a touch of spice to your table in under an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cinco de Mayo Casserole Recipe starts with straightforward ingredients that play essential roles in delivering flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Each component complements the others flawlessly, turning simple pantry staples into a party-ready dish.
- Ground beef: The hearty, savory base that brings rich flavor and satisfying protein to every layer.
- Taco seasoning: A blend of spices that infuses the beef with authentic Mexican flair and just the right touch of heat.
- Refried beans: Creamy and smooth, these add moisture and a velvety texture that holds the casserole layers together.
- Corn kernels: Sweet bursts of freshness that provide a delightful contrast to the savory ingredients.
- Flour tortillas: Soft yet sturdy, these wrap the casserole in tender layers and soak up all those lovely juices.
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend): Gooey, melted, and golden, cheese is the crowning glory that binds everything and adds richness.
- Salsa: A tangy, zesty topping that brightens the casserole with its lively flavors.
- Sour cream (for serving): Cool and creamy, sour cream provides the perfect finishing touch to balance the spices.
How to Make Cinco de Mayo Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures the casserole bakes evenly, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly while the layers meld their flavors together beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Then stir in the taco seasoning to coat the meat thoroughly, infusing it with that classic Mexican spice blend that’s critical for this Cinco de Mayo Casserole Recipe.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Grab a baking dish and start layering: place a layer of flour tortillas on the bottom, then spread a portion of the seasoned beef. Next, add refried beans, sprinkle corn kernels evenly, and top it off with a generous handful of shredded cheese. Repeat these layers until you’ve used your ingredients, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top to create a golden, bubbly crust as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake
Place the assembled casserole in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbling, and lightly browned around the edges. This step melds all the vibrant components together into one harmonious dish.
Step 5: Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a couple of minutes. Then top it with fresh salsa and a dollop of sour cream for a refreshing, tangy finish that elevates each bite. Now it’s ready to delight your guests or family.
How to Serve Cinco de Mayo Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you add personality and contrast. Fresh cilantro leaves, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado can make spectacular garnishes alongside the salsa and sour cream. They add vibrant color and layers of flavor that bring the dish to life.
Side Dishes
Pairing this casserole with Mexican rice or a crisp, bright salad full of fresh vegetables helps balance the bold richness of the main dish. Refried beans or black beans on the side are also wonderful companions that stay true to the meal’s roots.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets, allowing each person to enjoy their personalized “fiesta.” Alternatively, garnish with lime wedges for a zesty squeeze or serve with warm tortillas for scooping up extra layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Cinco de Mayo Casserole Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for about 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this tasty dish during the week without losing any of its freshness or flavor.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or store in a freezer-safe container, and it will maintain its taste and texture for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat slices in the microwave or the oven until warmed through. Covering with foil in the oven helps prevent the cheese from over-browning while allowing the dish to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well with the taco seasoning in this Cinco de Mayo Casserole Recipe. Just be mindful to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning if needed, as turkey has a milder flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for extra beans or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. You can also add plant-based meat substitutes to maintain the hearty texture while keeping it meat-free.
What kind of cheese is best for this casserole?
A cheddar and Mexican cheese blend both work wonderfully. Cheddar offers sharpness while the Mexican blend usually includes mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a creamy, melty finish—choose whichever suit your taste best.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake as directed, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled.
How spicy is this casserole?
The spice level mainly depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you choose. You can control the heat by selecting mild or hot seasoning and salsa varieties, making it customizable to your preferred spice level.
Final Thoughts
This Cinco de Mayo Casserole Recipe is such a crowd-pleaser that it belongs in every kitchen’s recipe rotation. It’s comforting, vibrant, and bursting with bold flavors that will instantly transport you to a sun-drenched fiesta. Give it a try next time you want to celebrate or simply crave a delicious, hassle-free dish that brings everyone together around the table with smiles and happy bellies.
Print
Cinco de Mayo Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with this hearty and flavorful Cinco de Mayo Casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, corn, and melty cheese baked to perfection and served with salsa and sour cream.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Other Ingredients
- 6 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup salsa (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the casserole is assembled and ready to bake.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning until the beef is evenly coated with flavor.
- Assemble the Layers: In a baking dish, start by placing a layer of flour tortillas. Add a layer of the seasoned beef, then spread refried beans on top, followed by corn kernels, and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Repeat these layers until the dish is filled, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on the top.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden browned.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Serve warm with a garnish of salsa and a dollop of sour cream on the side for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños inside the layers or as a topping.
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free variation.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
