Mexican Ground Beef Casserole (30 Minutes)

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This hearty and flavorful dish combines layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and gooey melted cheese, all crowned with a satisfying crunch of Fritos chips. The dish is reminiscent of classic Mexican flavors, offering a perfect balance of spice, richness, and texture. It’s a crowd-pleasing casserole that brings together the essence of comfort food and the vibrant flavors of Mexican cooking. Let’s get to it!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup Fritos corn chips (crushed or whole)
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, onions, and garlic together until the beef is cooked through and the onions are translucent. This step takes approximately 8-10 minutes.
  3. Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and taco seasoning. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Sprinkle the Fritos corn chips over the cheese, creating an even layer.
  6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, or chopped green onions.

Notes

For an extra kick of heat, you can use spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies or add hot sauce to the ground beef mixture. Feel free to also experiment with different types of cheese or a combination of cheeses for added flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or increase the amount of beans and corn. This versatile casserole can be enjoyed as a main dish on its own or served with a side of Mexican rice or a refreshing salad. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Pair this with...

Homemade Tortilla Chips

Grab some store-bought corn tortillas and cut each one into 6 or 8 wedges. Heat up about an inch of vegetable or canola oil in a large frying pan until it's shimmering, but not smoking. Carefully drop the tortilla wedges into the hot oil in batches, so they don't overlap. Fry them until they're golden brown, which will take about 2-3 minutes per side. Once they're perfectly crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. While they're still warm, sprinkle a bit of salt over the top. There you go!

Guacamole

Start with ripe avocados - when you give them a gentle squeeze, they should have a little give, but not feel mushy. Halve and pit them, scooping out their green goodness into a bowl. Now, add the juice of a fresh lime. This brightens the flavor and helps keep that vibrant green color. Toss in a finely chopped small red onion, a minced clove of garlic, a small diced tomato, and maybe a deseeded and diced jalapeño if you're in the mood for some heat. A handful of chopped cilantro leaves adds that distinct freshness, but if you're not a fan, it's okay to skip it. Sprinkle in some salt, and then mash everything together. You can use a fork or a potato masher, depending on how chunky you like your guacamole. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve it up with tortilla chips or as a side to pretty much anything.

Simple Tossed Salad

Start by tearing your iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces, ensuring a cool and crunchy base. Thinly slice a red onion, adding a pop of color and a zesty kick. For a refreshing crunch, slice up some cucumber, and for a sweet contrast, add in slivers of red pepper. Once your components are prepped and in the bowl, give everything a good toss, ensuring the ingredients are mixed and every bite will have a little bit of everything. For a simple dressing, squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon over the top, adding a burst of citrusy brightness.

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