Mexican Ground Beef Casserole: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Dinner

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole: Prepare to be transported to a fiesta of flavor with this incredibly easy and satisfying dish! Forget complicated recipes and hours spent in the kitchen. This casserole is your ticket to a delicious, family-friendly meal that’s ready in a flash.

Casseroles, in general, have a long and comforting history, often associated with resourceful cooking and bringing people together. While the exact origins of the Mexican Ground Beef Casserole are a bit more modern, it draws inspiration from classic Mexican flavors and the convenience of American casserole culture. Think of it as a delicious fusion, a culinary bridge between two worlds!

What makes this casserole so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of savory ground beef, zesty spices, creamy cheese, and the satisfying crunch of tortillas or tortilla chips. The layers meld together beautifully in the oven, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings and ingredients, making it a dish that truly reflects your personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this Mexican Ground Beef Casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for topping)
• Tortilla chips, for serving (optional)
• Cooking oil or spray

Preparing the Ground Beef Mixture

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of cooking oil or spray the pan with cooking spray. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. This is a crucial step for preventing a greasy casserole.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The aroma at this stage is just amazing!
3. Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes: Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans, drained corn, and the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel). Make sure everything is well combined.
4. Season the Mixture: Add the taco seasoning and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. This simmering step really deepens the flavor profile.
5. Incorporate the Rice: Stir in the cooked rice into the ground beef mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine. The rice adds a nice texture and heartiness to the casserole.

Assembling the Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly.
2. Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little bit of oil. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Spread half of the ground beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and half of the Monterey Jack cheese over the ground beef mixture. This cheesy layer is what makes this casserole so irresistible!
5. Second Layer of Ground Beef: Spread the remaining ground beef mixture over the cheese layer.
6. Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum cheesy goodness.

Baking the Casserole

1. Bake in the Oven: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
2. Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve.

Serving Suggestions

1. Garnish (Optional): Top with sour cream and chopped cilantro, if desired. These toppings add a fresh and creamy element to the casserole.
2. Serve with Tortilla Chips: Serve the casserole with tortilla chips for dipping, if desired. The crunchy chips provide a nice contrast to the soft casserole.
3. Additional Toppings: Consider offering other toppings such as guacamole, salsa, or chopped green onions for your guests to customize their servings.
4. Sides: This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some Mexican rice for a more substantial meal.
5. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Tips and Variations

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the spice level. If you prefer a milder flavor, use a mild taco seasoning or reduce the amount of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
• Meat Options: You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add an extra can of black beans or pinto beans. You can also add some chopped vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack cheese would add a nice kick, or you could use a Mexican cheese blend.
• Add More Vegetables: Add other vegetables like diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), chopped celery, or even some frozen mixed vegetables.
• Creamy Version: For a creamier casserole, stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup into the ground beef mixture.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Instructions: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Layering Variation: Instead of layering the ingredients as described, you can mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl and then pour the mixture into the baking dish. This will result in a more uniform casserole.
• Tortilla Layer: For a different twist, line the bottom of the baking dish with a layer of tortillas before adding the ground beef mixture. This will create a more substantial and filling casserole.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
• Protein: 25-35 grams
• Fat: 20-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams

Enjoy your delicious Mexican Ground Beef Casserole!

Conclusion:

This Mexican Ground Beef Casserole is truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that! It’s the perfect weeknight meal because it’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Think layers of flavorful ground beef, cheesy goodness, and just the right amount of spice, all baked to bubbly perfection. What more could you ask for?

But beyond its simplicity, this casserole is a flavor explosion. The combination of seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, and that creamy, cheesy topping creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding a family of four or hosting a casual get-together.

And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize it to your liking. Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture or use a spicier salsa. Prefer a milder flavor? Opt for a mild salsa and reduce the amount of chili powder. You can also experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheddar and Colby would all work beautifully.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Toppings: Serve your Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a few slices of avocado. These toppings add a cool and refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* Spice it Up: Add some pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
* Go Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version. You could also add more beans or vegetables like corn, zucchini, or bell peppers.
* Make it a Bowl: Serve the casserole over a bed of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
* Turn it into Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with the casserole mixture, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* Add Some Veggies: Mix in some diced bell peppers, onions, or corn to the ground beef mixture for added flavor and nutrients.
* Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This is a great option for busy weeknights.
* Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes beautifully! Simply bake it, let it cool completely, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it until heated through.

I truly believe that this Mexican Ground Beef Casserole will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that you’ll turn to again and again, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a party.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do!

And please, don’t be shy! Once you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your photos and comments on social media using #MyAwesomeCasserole or tag me in your posts. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear about your variations! Happy cooking!