Imagine a mouthwatering dish that combines the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine with the ultimate comfort food experience. This Cheesy Beef Mexican Casserole is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Packed with savory ground beef, hearty beans, sweet corn, and a blanket of melted cheese, this recipe is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 jar salsa
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package tortilla chips
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and has developed a nice golden color, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the ground beef using a colander to remove unnecessary grease.
- Return the beef to the skillet and add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the spices and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add drained black beans, corn, and salsa to the skillet. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Layer the bottom of the prepared baking dish with a layer of tortilla chips, slightly crushing them to create an even base.
- Pour the beef and bean mixture evenly over the tortilla chip layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the entire casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbly with golden edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to set.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños before serving.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use fresh, high-quality ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 works best) to ensure juiciness.
- Don't skip draining the excess fat after browning the beef—this prevents a greasy final dish.
- Feel free to customize your casserole! Try adding diced bell peppers, using different types of cheese, or incorporating jalapeños for extra heat.
- For a crispier chip base, briefly toast the tortilla chips in the oven for 2-3 minutes before layering.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the ingredients to set and make serving easier.
- For a healthier version, consider using lean ground turkey and whole grain tortilla chips.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
