Description
Hearty Mexican ground beef casserole brings zesty southwestern flavors to dinner tables with bold spices and comforting layers. Cheesy, satisfying ingredients blend seamlessly for a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (500g) ground beef (mince), lean
- 2 cups (200g) cheese, shredded
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 capsicum/bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup green onions/shallots
- 14 ounces (400g) can black beans, drained
- 14 ounces (400g) can corn kernels, drained
Liquid and Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 1/4 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
- 2.5 cups (625 ml) chicken broth/stock, low sodium
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole.
- In a spacious skillet, drizzle olive oil and introduce finely chopped onion and garlic, gently sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, browning the meat thoroughly while breaking it into crumbly pieces, then incorporate tomato paste for an extra layer of depth.
- Layer in uncooked rice, chicken broth, corn kernels, black beans, and diced capsicum, then sprinkle Mexican spices to create a vibrant flavor profile.
- Allow the mixture to reach a robust boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Carefully transfer the simmered mixture into a casserole dish, enveloping it with foil to trap moisture and steam.
- Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and rice to absorb the liquid.
- Remove the foil and generously scatter shredded cheese and chopped green onions across the surface, returning it to the oven.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling blanket.
- Let the casserole rest momentarily, allowing it to settle and intensify its flavors before serving.
- For a lighter variation, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, maintaining the dish’s robust character.
- Customize the heat level by adjusting the cayenne pepper to suit individual spice preferences.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
- Rinse canned beans thoroughly to decrease sodium content and improve overall nutritional profile.
- Toast rice briefly in the skillet before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or adding jalapeños for extra kick without overwhelming heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg