Description
This Mexican Fiesta Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner. Ground beef combined with black beans, corn, and spicy seasonings, baked under a cheesy, bubbly crust for a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s easy to make and packed with Tex-Mex flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
Grains and Cheese
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Spices
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnishes (Optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Ground Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper into the beef mixture. Cook for about 1 minute until the spices become fragrant.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add the drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and cooked rice to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the beef and vegetable mixture evenly into it.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter option.
- Using pre-cooked rice saves time but freshly cooked rice works perfectly as well.
- To make this casserole spicier, add more diced green chilies or jalapeños into the mix.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure all canned goods and spices are gluten-free certified.
