Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Introducing your new favorite comfort food: the Cheesy Mexican Ground Beef Casserole. This dish is a delightful combination of gooey cheese, savory ground beef and beans, with a touch of spice that is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether prepared in a cast-iron skillet or a frying pan with an oven dish finish, this recipe is a winner.

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Cheesy Beefy Tex Mex Goodness

Ground beef recipes are a favorite of mine due to their budget-friendly nature, nutritional value, and delicious taste. This cheesy Mexican casserole is the epitome of comfort food.

The beef is seasoned with spices, tomatoes, and beans, then generously topped with cheese and baked until gooey and melted.

I love garnishing it with jalapeños and fresh cilantro, and serving it with zesty guacamole on the side. I usually pair it with rice, corn chips, warm tortillas, or crusty bread for dipping.

👉If you enjoy this recipe, check out my carne picada, baked chicken meatballs, and other dinner ideas using ground beef.

You Will Need

• Beef – ground beef mince, preferably with some fat for extra flavor, but lean meat can also be used
• Veggies – onions, garlic, and green bell peppers for flavor, aroma, and color; yellow or red peppers can also be substituted
• Spices: salt, pepper, cayenne pepper or chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika; coriander seed powder or dried oregano can be added, or a pre-blended Tex-Mex or Mexican spice mix

How To Make Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

• Preheat the oven to 400 F | 200 C.
• Heat an ovenproof skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Cook onion and bell pepper for 2 minutes. Add beef, garlic, salt, pepper, and spices. Cook for 2 minutes, breaking up the beef.
• Add beans, tomato purée, and cilantro. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat.
• Top the beef and beans with jalapeños and cheese. Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
• If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, prepare the beef and beans in a deep frying pan or pot, then transfer to a casserole dish and bake with cheese on top.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile cheesy beef skillet can be served in various delicious ways to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Over rice or quinoa: Serve the casserole over cooked regular or Mexican rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
• Alongside tortilla chips: Offer tortilla chips on the side for scooping up the casserole, adding a crunchy texture to the dish.
• Warm tortillas: Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas for making soft tacos or wraps.
• Topped with fresh garnishes: Add chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, sliced avocados, or sour cream for extra flavor.
• With a side salad: Pair the casserole with a fresh salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for a sweet contrast to the savory casserole.
• Cornbread on the side: Enjoy with a slice of warm cornbread or crusty bread for a comforting addition to the meal.

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