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