Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Say hello to your new go-to comfort food: the Cheesy Mexican Ground Beef Casserole. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that combines gooey cheese, savoury ground beef and beans, and a hint of spice for a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It can be made in a cast-iron skillet or a frying pan with an oven dish finish. 

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Cheesy Beefy Tex Mex Goodness

Given the budget considerations, nutrition and flavour, I love ground beef recipes (or beef mince as we call it in OZ). And this delicious, cheesy Mexican casserole is as comforting as it gets.

The beef is cooked off with spices, tomatoes and beans, then topped generously with cheese and baked to melted and gooey.

I love topping it with some jalapeños and fresh coriander (cilantro), plus serving some zesty guacamole on the side. I will usually so either a side of rice or corn chips/warm tortillas, or even some crusty bread to dip into it.

👉If you like this recipe, make sure to check my carne picada, baked chicken meatballs and these ideas for using up ground beef for dinners.

You Will Need

• Beef – ground beef mince, I like to use beef with a little bit of fat for extra flavour but you can opt for a leaner mixture
• Veggies – onions and garlic for flavour, aroma and sweetness, plus green bell peppers for extra nutrients and colour. You can use yellow or red peppers here as well.
• Spices: salt, pepper, cayenne pepper or chili powder, cumin and smoked paprika. You can also use coriander seed powder or dried oregano here. If you have some pre-blended Tex-Mex or Mexican spice, use a few teaspoons of that instead, along with some salt.

How To Make Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

• Preheat the oven to 400 F | 200 C.
• Heat an ovenproof skillet with oil on medium-high heat. Cook onion and bell pepper for 2 minutes. Add beef and garlic, salt, pepper and spices. Stir and cook for 2 minutes by breaking the beef.
• Add beans, tomato purée and cilantro. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat.
• Sprinkle the beef and beans with jalapeños and cheese. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until the cheese melts and is nicely brown.
• If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, you can prepare the beef and beans mixture in any deep frying pan or a pot, then transfer to a casserole dish and bake with the cheese on top.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy beef skillet is a versatile dish that can be served in various delicious ways to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are a few of my suggestions:

• Over rice or quinoa: Spoon the casserole over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa for a hearty and filling meal. The grains will absorb the savoury sauce from the casserole, making it even more flavourful.
• Alongside tortilla chips: Offer tortilla chips on the side for scooping up the casserole. This adds a crunchy texture to the meal and is perfect for those who love a bit of extra crispiness with their food. This is a great option if serving this dish as an appetizer (e.g. for game night).
• Warm tortillas: Warm flour or corn tortillas can be served on the side, allowing diners to make their soft tacos or wraps with the casserole filling.
• Topped with fresh garnishes: Chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, sliced avocados, or a dollop of sour cream can add freshness, colour, and extra flavour.
• With a side salad: Serve the casserole with a side of fresh salad to add a refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy flavours. A simple green salad, a corn and black bean salad, or a tangy coleslaw can complement it well.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes. The sweetness of the roasted veggies pairs well with the savoury and cheesy profile of the casserole.
• Cornbread on the side: A slice of warm, buttery cornbread makes a comforting addition to the meal. The sweetness of the cornbread complements the spicy and savoury notes of the casserole. If you have some nice sourdough, that will also do.

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