The Ultimate Tex Mex Casserole Recipe for Fiesta Nights

Craving a hearty tex mex casserole that bursts with flavor and comfort?

Layers of zesty ingredients promise a delightful meal for everyone at the table.

Melted cheese, spicy seasonings, and robust proteins create a mouthwatering combination that feels like a culinary adventure.

Bold southwestern notes dance across each delectable bite, inviting you to savor every moment.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

Vibrant colors and rich textures guarantee a meal that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Grab a fork and let the flavor explosion begin!

Why Everyone’s Talking About Tex Mex Casserole

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or cilantro to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: One-pan preparation and straightforward steps mean you'll have a delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutrition in Every Bite: Packed with protein from ground beef, fiber-rich beans, and vegetables, this casserole offers a balanced and satisfying meal for the whole family.

What You’ll Need to Make It Happen

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial protein for the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: These aromatics add depth and savory notes to the dish.
• Green Bell Pepper: Offers a mild, fresh crunch and slight sweetness to the casserole.

• Black Beans: A protein-packed legume that adds texture and nutritional value.
• Basmati Rice: A fluffy, long-grain rice that serves as a light and fragrant base for the casserole.

• Tomato Paste: Provides a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Adds moisture and fresh tomato taste to the mixture.
• Salsa: Brings a zesty, spicy element to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: A melty, sharp cheese that creates a golden, crispy top layer for the casserole.

Easy Steps to Casserole Perfection

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) to get ready for some serious cooking action.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab a large skillet and cook ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Cook until the onion becomes soft and see-through.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Base

• Tomato paste
• Chopped tomatoes
• Salsa
• Drained black beans

Let everything simmer and get cozy for a few minutes.

Step 5: Mix in the Good Stuff

• Cooked basmati rice
• Diced green bell pepper

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

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and crown it with a generous layer of grated cheddar cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

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

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

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool down for a few minutes, then dig in and savor the Tex Mex magic!

Handy Tips to Level Up the Flavor

• Remove all excess fat to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a lighter, more appetizing dish.
• Add chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika to intensify the Tex-Mex profile and create a more vibrant taste experience.
• Experiment with monterey jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a more authentic and exciting flavor profile.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles, quinoa, or additional beans to create a delicious meat-free version.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a stress-free meal option.

Fun Ways to Switch It Up

• Vegetarian Fiesta: Replace ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based meat alternatives, maintaining the same spices and cooking method for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Cauliflower Rice Remix: Swap basmati rice with riced cauliflower to create a low-carb, keto-friendly option that keeps all the original Tex-Mex flavors intact.
• Chicken Swap Special: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey for a leaner protein option that still delivers robust southwestern taste.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free salsa, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and verify no cross-contamination for those with celiac dietary needs.

Serving Ideas to Suit Any Crowd

• Fiesta Night Companion: Pair this Tex Mex Casserole with cool, tangy sour cream to balance the dish's warm spices and add creamy texture.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced avocado on top for bright colors and extra flavor bursts.
• Side Kick Delight: Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips, warm cornbread, or a light mixed green salad to complete the hearty meal and add refreshing contrast.
• Zesty Dipping Option: Prepare a quick salsa or guacamole as a side condiment to enhance the casserole's Mexican-inspired flavors and provide an interactive eating experience.

How to Store It for Later Cravings

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Seal the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date and store for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing for longer periods to prevent texture degradation.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the salsa you choose. Use mild salsa for less heat or hot salsa if you prefer a kick.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole and provides similar flavor.

• Do I need to pre-cook the rice?

Yes, use already cooked basmati rice. This ensures the rice is tender and evenly distributed throughout the casserole.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground meat, low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutritional value.

Tex Mex Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Tex Mex casserole brings zesty southwestern flavors to dinner tables with bold layers of cheese, beans, and seasoned meat. Hearty comfort meets regional flair, offering you a satisfying meal that celebrates Mexican-American culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) lean ground beef (95%)
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

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

Grains, Dairy, and Seasonings:

• 1 cup basmati rice, cooked
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup salsa
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully draining excess fat.
3. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant.
4. Blend tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, salsa, and drained black beans into the meat mixture, simmering for 3-4 minutes.
5. Fold in cooked basmati rice and diced green bell peppers, seasoning generously with salt and black pepper.
6. Spread the robust mixture evenly into the greased casserole dish, creating a uniform layer.
7. Generously sprinkle grated cheddar cheese across the entire surface, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
9. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help flavors meld and stabilize.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian version that retains rich, hearty flavors.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium salsa and cutting back on added salt, perfect for heart-healthy diets.
• Enhance nutrition by adding extra veggies like zucchini or spinach to boost vitamins and fiber content.
• Customize spice levels by choosing mild or hot salsa, allowing flexibility for different taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 486 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg