Simple Tex Mex Casserole Recipe: A Zesty Family Favorite

Crafting a delectable tex mex casserole brings pure culinary joy to your kitchen adventure.

Layers of vibrant ingredients promise a taste explosion that dances across your palate.

Spicy comfort meets hearty satisfaction in this crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug.

Mexican-inspired flavors blend seamlessly with classic American cooking techniques, creating something magical.

Bold chili peppers and melted cheese whisper stories of southwestern charm.

Comfort food enthusiasts will absolutely adore this simple yet sophisticated meal that comes together effortlessly.

What Goes Into Tex Mex Casserole

• Lean Ground Beef: A low-fat protein source that adds rich flavor and meaty texture to the casserole. Choose 95% lean for a healthier option.
• Black Beans: Provides additional protein and fiber, offering a classic Tex-Mex ingredient with creamy texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Essential flavor builders that create a robust base for the dish. Fresh garlic cloves will provide more intense flavor than pre-minced options.
• Green Bell Pepper: Adds crunch and mild sweetness to the casserole. Select firm, bright green peppers for the best quality.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Provides deep, rich undertones to the dish.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Adds moisture and fresh tomato taste. Canned or fresh both work well.
• Salsa: Introduces additional spice and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance and balance the other ingredients. Adjust to personal taste preference.

• Basmati Rice: Provides a light, fluffy base for the casserole. Cooled rice works best for holding the dish together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds rich, tangy flavor. Sharp cheddar provides more intense taste.

Tex Mex Casserole Assembly

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F to get ready for some seriously delicious Tex Mex magic.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, cooking until it’s perfectly browned.

Drain away any extra fat for a cleaner dish.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Cook these flavor boosters until they’re soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

• Tomato paste
• Chopped tomatoes
• Salsa

Let this mixture simmer and develop deep flavors for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Create the Hearty Filling

• Black beans
• Cooked basmati rice
• Diced green bell pepper

Season with salt and black pepper to make the flavors pop.

Step 6: Cheese and Assemble

Transfer the sizzling mixture into a casserole dish and blanket the top with a generous layer of grated cheddar cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then dig into this Tex Mex feast that’s packed with flavor and comfort.

Tricks for Tex Mex Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Use day-old rice or toast the basmati rice before cooking to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness in the casserole.
• Add extra vegetables like corn, zucchini, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create more vibrant layers of taste.
• Allow cheese to reach room temperature before sprinkling, ensuring even melting and preventing rubbery texture.
• Prepare the casserole in advance, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for quick meal prep and busy weeknights.

Store Tex Mex Casserole And Reheat With Ease

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, ensuring it stays good for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Warm refrigerated casserole at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

What Tastes Good with Tex Mex Casserole

• Pair Zesty Margaritas: Citrusy tequila-based cocktails complement the spicy, bold flavors of the Tex Mex Casserole, cutting through the richness with bright, tangy notes.
• Serve Fresh Cilantro Lime Slaw: Crisp, tangy coleslaw with cilantro and lime provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty casserole, balancing the dish's robust spices.
• Choose Mexican Cerveza: Light, crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo offers a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the casserole's bold, spicy profile, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Add Chunky Guacamole: Creamy, rich avocado dip with fresh herbs and lime juice enhances the casserole's flavors, adding a luxurious texture and cooling element to the spicy dish.

Chicken Broccoli Bake Versions

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced tofu for a protein-packed meatless version. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or corn for more texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap basmati rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates. Use Greek yogurt instead of cheese for a lighter topping that keeps the dish creamy.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Increase heat by adding jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce. Include cayenne pepper in the seasoning for an extra kick that transforms the original recipe.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use corn tortilla chips as a crunchy topping instead of traditional breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works perfectly in this Tex Mex Casserole. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the salsa you choose. Use mild salsa for a kid-friendly version or opt for medium or hot salsa if you prefer more kick. You can always adjust the spice to your liking.

• What if I don't have basmati rice?

No problem! You can substitute with any white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. The key is to use pre-cooked rice to maintain the right consistency in the casserole.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat, extra beans, or crumbled tofu. Add more vegetables like corn or zucchini to boost the protein and flavor.

Tex Mex Casserole That’s Spiced And Family-Friendly

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this hearty Tex Mex Casserole in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious, no-fuss dinner.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and beans, this casserole guarantees clean plates and happy faces around the table.
• Versatile Meal Maker: Easily customize with additional toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños, transforming a simple casserole into a personalized feast that suits every taste preference.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-dish meal that combines protein, grains, and vegetables in one satisfying, comforting casserole.

Tex Mex Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy Tex Mex Casserole brings layers of Southwest comfort to your dinner table, blending hearty ingredients with zesty flavors. Cheese-topped and bubbling with robust spices, this comforting dish delivers a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) lean ground beef (95%)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 3/4 cup chopped tomatoes

Pantry and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup basmati rice, cooked
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by warming it to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
2. Heat a large skillet and thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring complete cooking and elimination of raw meat texture.
3. Drain excess fat from the beef to reduce unnecessary greasiness in the dish.
4. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into the skillet, sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
5. Add tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, and salsa to create a rich, robust sauce that will infuse the casserole with vibrant flavors.
6. Simmer the sauce for approximately 5 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld and develop depth.
7. Introduce black beans, cooked basmati rice, and diced green bell peppers to the skillet, creating a hearty and colorful mixture.
8. Season the combined ingredients with salt and black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
9. Carefully transfer the entire mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
10. Generously sprinkle grated cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melted layer.
11. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese becomes completely melted and develops a slight bubble.
12. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes, which helps set the ingredients and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, hearty texture.
• Consider using cauliflower rice instead of basmati to lower carbohydrate content and add extra nutrition.
• Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top for extra creaminess and a cool contrast to the spicy casserole.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or monterey jack to enhance the Tex-Mex flavor profile and add more depth to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg