This Cheesy Mexican Beef & Bean Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender ground beef, hearty beans, and warm Mexican spices into a rich casserole. Topped with gooey melted cheese, it’s a perfect dish for Taco Tuesday or a quick weeknight meal. Easy to prepare and full of bold flavors, this bake is a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 15 oz can black beans, drained
- 15 oz can red kidney beans, drained
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1 1/2 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese
- 1 cup rice, cooked
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Spread cooked rice evenly in a baking dish. Pour the beef and bean mixture over the rice.
- Spread sour cream over the beef mixture, then top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with green onions.
- Serve with tortilla chips for scooping.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 480 kcal per serving
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Cheesy Mexican Beef & Bean Bake: A Flavorful Comfort Food for Every Occasion
The Cheesy Mexican Beef & Bean Bake is an extraordinary dish that brings together a medley of rich, bold flavors and textures in a single casserole. With its layers of tender ground beef, hearty beans, and fragrant Mexican spices, this dish has a way of transporting your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mexico. Topped with a generous helping of gooey melted cheese, it’s the perfect meal for a cozy dinner at home or a festive gathering with friends.
A Recipe That Embodies Comfort
There’s something inherently comforting about a baked dish. The combination of warm, aromatic ingredients coming together in harmony under a bubbling cheese crust creates a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug. This Cheesy Mexican Beef & Bean Bake checks all the boxes for comfort food. It’s hearty enough to keep you full, flavorful enough to excite your palate, and simple enough to make even on busy weeknights.
Whether you’re celebrating Taco Tuesday, hosting a casual party, or just craving something indulgent, this casserole fits the bill. It’s also incredibly versatile, offering plenty of opportunities to customize the ingredients to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs.
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
This bake takes its inspiration from classic Mexican flavors, blending iconic ingredients like black beans, red kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning into a delicious medley. The inclusion of ground beef provides a savory, protein-rich base, while the corn kernels add a hint of sweetness that complements the spicier elements of the dish.
The dish’s layered structure is reminiscent of other Mexican staples like enchiladas and nachos but is uniquely its own thanks to the incorporation of cooked rice as a hearty foundation. The result is a well-rounded meal that is both satisfying and nutritionally balanced.
What Makes It a Standout Dish?
Several factors contribute to the popularity and appeal of this Cheesy Mexican Beef & Bean Bake:
- Ease of Preparation:
This dish is incredibly simple to prepare, making it a go-to option for home cooks of all skill levels. With just a bit of sautéing, layering, and baking, you can have a wholesome and delicious meal ready in under an hour. - Bold, Layered Flavors:
The dish combines earthy, spicy, and savory elements in perfect proportion. The taco seasoning infuses the beef and beans with a kick of flavor, while the diced tomatoes and sour cream lend a creamy, tangy balance. - Versatility:
The recipe can be easily modified to accommodate different dietary preferences. For a vegetarian option, simply swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or extra beans. Gluten-free diners can rest assured, as the recipe relies on naturally gluten-free ingredients like beans and rice. - Crowd-Pleaser:
Thanks to its universal appeal, this bake is an excellent choice for family dinners or potlucks. The cheesy topping is particularly enticing, ensuring that even picky eaters come back for seconds.
A Perfect Pairing
This casserole doesn’t just stand alone—it shines even brighter when paired with the right accompaniments. Serve it with a side of crunchy tortilla chips for scooping, or add a refreshing salad with a lime vinaigrette for a zesty contrast. A dollop of guacamole or a splash of hot sauce can further enhance the flavors, making each bite even more dynamic.
For drinks, consider serving with a cold glass of Mexican beer, a tangy margarita, or even a non-alcoholic agua fresca for a truly authentic dining experience.
Tips and Tricks for Success
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this recipe:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: While canned beans and tomatoes are convenient, fresh corn kernels or homemade taco seasoning can elevate the dish even further.
- Layer Wisely: Ensure the rice is evenly spread to create a sturdy base, and distribute the sour cream smoothly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Beyond green onions, try garnishing with chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, or even crumbled queso fresco for added flair.
- Reheat with Care: If you have leftovers, reheat in the oven to maintain the casserole’s texture and avoid soggy results from microwaving.
Nutritional Benefits
Despite being indulgent, this dish offers a range of nutritional benefits. The beans are an excellent source of fiber, aiding digestion and providing long-lasting energy. Ground beef contributes essential protein and iron, while tomatoes supply a healthy dose of vitamin C and antioxidants. The addition of corn and rice ensures the dish is hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites.
For those keeping an eye on calories or fat content, substitutions like lean ground turkey, low-fat cheese, or Greek yogurt in place of sour cream can make the dish lighter without compromising flavor.
A Dish for All Occasions
One of the most remarkable things about this Cheesy Mexican Beef & Bean Bake is how adaptable it is to different occasions. It works equally well as a casual dinner, a meal prep option for the week, or the star of a party buffet. Its universal appeal means you can serve it to a variety of guests, and it’s easy to scale up if you’re feeding a crowd.
Conclusion: A Recipe to Treasure
In the world of comfort food, few dishes deliver the balance of ease, flavor, and heartiness as perfectly as the Cheesy Mexican Beef & Bean Bake. It’s a celebration of bold Mexican-inspired flavors, packaged in a format that’s approachable and universally loved. Whether you’re an experienced home chef or a busy parent looking for a quick dinner solution, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire.
Not only does it bring people together around the dinner table, but it also offers the flexibility to make it your own. With its vibrant layers of flavor and texture, this dish is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Try it out, share it with loved ones, and let the flavors speak for themselves.
Print
Cheesy Mexican Beef & Bean Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
This Cheesy Mexican Beef & Bean Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender ground beef, hearty beans, and warm Mexican spices into a rich casserole. Topped with gooey melted cheese, it’s a perfect dish for Taco Tuesday or a quick weeknight meal. Easy to prepare and full of bold flavors, this bake is a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 15 oz can black beans, drained
- 15 oz can red kidney beans, drained
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1 1/2 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese
- 1 cup rice, cooked
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Spread cooked rice evenly in a baking dish. Pour the beef and bean mixture over the rice.
- Spread sour cream over the beef mixture, then top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with green onions.
- Serve with tortilla chips for scooping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes