5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole Recipe

Name: 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans; 0.75 onion, diced; 5 (10 inch) flour tortillas; 1 cup salsa; 2 cups shredded Cheddar or Colby Jack cheese

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
onion, diced
5 (10 inch) flour tortillas
1 cup salsa
2 cups shredded Cheddar or Colby Jack cheese

Directions

Gather all ingredients.
Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
Spray a 9-inch pie pan with non-stick cooking spray.
In a saucepan, cook the refried beans and diced onions over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, until the onions are softened.
Place one tortilla at the bottom of the greased pie pan.
Spread approximately 1/3 cup of the bean and onion mixture evenly over the tortilla.
Layer a few tablespoons of salsa over the bean mixture.
Top with another tortilla, and repeat the layering process with the remaining bean mixture and salsa.
Add a generous handful of shredded cheese after each layer of beans and salsa. Be sure to distribute the cheese evenly.
Finish with a top layer of tortilla, salsa, and a hearty amount of cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	651
Total Fat	20g (26% DV)
Saturated Fat	13g (63% DV)
Cholesterol	68mg (23% DV)
Sodium	1505mg (65% DV)
Total Carbohydrate	74g (27% DV)
Dietary Fiber	10g (37% DV)
Total Sugars	4g
Protein	29g (59% DV)
Vitamin C	9mg (10% DV)
Calcium	581mg (45% DV)
Iron	6mg (31% DV)
Potassium	697mg (15% DV)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Consult a healthcare professional if you are following a medically restrictive diet.

5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole Recipe

Description: This quick and easy casserole combines the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine into a comforting and simple dish. Layered tortillas, refried beans, salsa, cheese, and onions make it a perfect weeknight meal.

History of Origin

The 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole is a modern take on traditional Mexican flavors, often served as a baked dish in many households across the southwestern United States and Mexico. Casseroles themselves are not native to Mexican cuisine but were inspired by the use of tortillas and simple ingredients in the region. This dish likely evolved as a way to use leftovers, combining tortillas, beans, cheese, and salsa into a hearty, filling meal. Over time, variations emerged, incorporating meats, different types of cheese, and other local ingredients depending on what was available.

Regional Features

While this casserole is inspired by Mexican flavors, its preparation and presentation vary from the traditional Mexican dishes you might find south of the border. In Mexico, meals like enchiladas and chilaquiles are more common, often served in a more complex sauce. The casserole, on the other hand, is an American adaptation, with its simplicity being a highlight. It's typically served as a comfort food in Tex-Mex restaurants or as a quick family dinner in American homes. The fusion of Tex-Mex and American cooking styles is what sets this dish apart from traditional Mexican food.

How it Differs from Similar Dishes

At first glance, the 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole may appear similar to other popular Mexican-inspired dishes like enchiladas or layered tacos. However, the casserole is distinct in its structure and simplicity. Unlike enchiladas, which require rolling tortillas and soaking them in sauce, this casserole uses unrolled tortillas layered with beans, cheese, and salsa. The lack of a heavy sauce gives it a lighter, more straightforward flavor, making it quicker and easier to prepare. Additionally, the 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole typically features more cheese and less meat, whereas traditional enchiladas often focus on a balanced ratio of meat, sauce, and fillings.

Where It's Typically Served

This casserole is a versatile dish commonly served in homes for family dinners, particularly on busy weeknights. Its popularity also extends to potlucks and gatherings, where its simplicity and heartiness make it an ideal dish to share. You may find it on the menu in casual Tex-Mex restaurants or diners in the United States, where it is often labeled as a quick, filling meal. Its also a popular choice for those seeking a vegetarian meal or a customizable option to cater to different dietary preferences.

Interesting Facts

Although the dish uses only five ingredients, it can be easily customized by adding vegetables, meats like ground beef or chicken, and additional seasonings.
The casserole's simplicity makes it a perfect weeknight meal for busy families, and its often praised for being both economical and delicious.
Mexican cuisine, which often centers around beans, tortillas, and cheese, is the foundation for many Americanized versions of Mexican dishes like this casserole.
This dish is a great option for those looking to try out vegetarian or plant-based meals, as it can be made with just beans and cheese, omitting meat entirely.

FAQ about 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole Recipe

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble it as instructed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving. If reheating in the oven, cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out.

Yes, this casserole freezes well. To freeze, allow it to cool completely after baking, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 45-50 minutes, or until heated through.

Yes, you can substitute the flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. You can also try whole wheat tortillas for a healthier twist.

Absolutely! You can add cooked ground beef, turkey, or chicken between the layers for a more hearty version. Many users also add seasoned taco meat for extra flavor.

Yes, if you don't like refried beans or prefer a different texture, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or even a combination of both. Just mash the beans before layering them in the casserole.

To adjust the spiciness, you can use mild salsa for a less spicy dish or opt for hot salsa if you prefer more heat. You can also add diced jalapeños or other spicy peppers to the layers.

Yes, you can use other types of cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. Choose the one you like best or what you have on hand.

Yes, the original recipe is vegetarian, but you can add meat if you prefer. It's versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences.

This casserole is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or a simple green salad. It also pairs well with chips and salsa.

Comments

KITNKAYJ

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Not being vegetarian, I warmed up some leftover taco-seasoned ground beef in a separate skillet and layered that over the beans in each repetition. Adding this, I ended up doing 2 complete layer repetitions and using fewer tortillas, less salsa and less cheese (used the packaged 4-cheese Mexican blend) than the recipe called for. I cut it just like a pie and topped each piece to be served with a spoonful of sour cream. It looked and smelled very appetizing and my family enjoyed it a lot, especially my 4 year old son. This was very easy, tasty, and it should be great for leftovers. Plus, I had all the ingredients on hand so it was convenient too. Thanks!

DEBLUVS2COOK

05/31/2006 05:18:26 PM

Well, I applaud any recipe that contains primarily good, healthy ingredients,especially if it is vegetarian! That said, I must add that this recipe could use some modifications. First, cooking the refried beans with the diced onion on medium-high heat for 5 minutes simply scorches the bottom of the pan while the onions remain virtually uncooked. And yes, I did stir. If the onions were first sauteed in a bit of oil and the beans were then added and heated through, this would give much better results. Second, the overall texture of the finished dish is quite mushy. It could stand some substance, maybe corn added.The taste was there, and the nutritional value, but we could use some changes to this recipe.

ModestGlass5553

11/02/2024 12:53:22 AM

This turned out absolutely delicious! I used corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. I like texture and flavor of corn better. Cooked a pound of ground beef and a pound of ground turkey and used that to replace the 2nd layer of the refried beans. Then, after I removed from oven, I put sour cream as another layer on top. Now, my bake pan is bigger so I can use a 16 oz sour cream to layer it on top. I also cut up green onions and topped it off! Used blue corn chips as a side with salsa. My family loved it! This one is definitely a keeper.

Beth Mower Dodge

10/30/2019 02:27:11 AM

This is a great base for a wonderful meal. I did sauté the onions with a little garlic before adding the beans to the pan with a little bit of salsa added to make it easier to spread. I also browned some ground beef with some salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. In 2 oiled cast iron skillets I layered tortilla, beans, beef, corn, salsa, cheese, and repeated once so each skillet had two levels. Baked for about 20 minutes. This came out great. Everyone loved it. Definitely a keeper. Kudos to the simplicity that can spawn a hearty, tasty meal.

elizabethw

02/10/2014 07:38:47 PM

I had to make some modifications but they were well worth it. Here's what you should consider: add 1 can corn and 1 can black beans; mix corn, black beans, salsa, sautéed onions, and refried beans in a large bowl before layering in the casserole dish; finish with a sprinkle of seasoning over all; finally bake until sides are bubbling. Serve with chips and enjoy.

love2cook

06/22/2025 09:22:02 PM

Like a lot of people, I added taco seasoned ground beef with 3 cloves of garlic. Absolutely yummy. I’ll make this again!

Pam Funk

07/17/2025 05:52:24 PM

We loved it, but I did slightly revise the recipe. I don't usually do that but we love enchilada sauce. I added it between the layers and with the cheese on top. It was even better the second day.

Kerry Quigley Peterson

05/11/2016 02:13:38 AM

This turned out great! I used large size whole wheat tortilla wraps, and a spring form cake pan. Warmed the refried beans in one fry pan and fried the chopped onion in another. Used grated old cheddar cheese mixed with grated asiago cheese. Layer wraps, spread with beans, sprinkle fried onions, spoon on salsa, sprinkle cheese, repeat 3 times with last layer of wraps and then grated cheese on top. Refrigerated overnight under foil, baked for 40 minutes at 400F. Cut like a pie and remove the spring form sides of pan it comes out great!

TidyBun2294

07/10/2023 06:59:51 PM

yes I made changes seasoned ground beef, chili powder, less tortillas, jalapeno refried beans. I'm not a vegetarian. I am a skinny chow hound and I appreciated the sharing of the recipe to begin with. Now if all the whiners who are lecturing about "vegetarian" would go away my family and I will top this with a freshly grown and chopped jalapeno and enjoy it!

JRB

03/14/2024 09:04:17 PM

I used corn tortillas and added spinach. Turned out great. Obviously you could choose to add meat or Not and you can buy lard free beans or Not. You do you. It's still a great concept recipe that you can make your own. Xoxo.

Captain Jeff Marchant

04/15/2024 08:11:11 PM

5 ingredient dinner is always a winner in my house. Did not have refried beans so made my own with a can of black beans & a potato masher. I had black bean & corn salsa on hand & pepper jack cheese.I used 4 tortillas: Smothered tort with refried, then salsa, then cheese> next tort Refried, salsa & cheese> next tort refried, salsa & cheese and just covered the top tort with cheese. So easy and delish. Will definitely make again....probably bigger portion in a lasagna pan

Randy Moore

09/22/2025 10:19:37 PM

Very easy. Added ground beef to the refried beans.

Lazara Gonzalez

08/21/2025 02:40:30 AM

Not bad. Next time I'll make it with the refried beans.

Diane

08/09/2025 03:16:10 PM

I think it would be better as a topping for nachos or something on corn chips/tortillas.

Barbara Riffert

08/05/2025 05:30:27 PM

Simple and delicious with high quality ingredients. I didn't add any additional salt.

IcyMeal5615

08/05/2025 03:38:15 PM

I’m adding shredded seasoned chicken between layers. Chili gravy vs salsa.

Kim

07/17/2025 09:34:09 PM

I'm very pleased with how this casserole came out. It took no time to throw together, and made for a nice weeknight supper. It was quite flavorful, even with no added herbs/spices. I served it alongside some sauteed zucchini and corn--and it was wonderful. Would definitely make again. Thank you for sharing your recipe!

Betty Carter

03/11/2025 02:38:50 AM

Everyone wants the recipe ❤️

TEAC1EA

12/30/2024 08:13:15 PM

MY only adjustment was adding seasoned ground beef. Turned out excellent.

Sarah Jones

08/13/2024 01:02:15 PM

Tasted even better the next day.

Cook Time: 225 minutes

Cook Time: 105 minutes

5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

History of Origin

Regional Features

How it Differs from Similar Dishes

Where It's Typically Served

Interesting Facts

FAQ about 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole Recipe