This Tex Mex Casserole with ground beef and beans is the perfect blend of savory beef, rich cheese, and hearty beans, all layered with a flavorful tomato salsa base. Packed with 33 grams of protein per serving, it’s not only delicious but also incredibly filling, making it a great choice for busy weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The dish is versatile, offering room for customization. You can spice it up by adding jalapenos or swap out the green peppers for something sweeter, like red bell peppers. Serve it with creamy avocado or a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate Tex Mex experience. This casserole is sure to become a family favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry brown rice
- 1 can black beans
- 3/4 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 2 cups grated cheese (marble)
- 1/4 cup diced green peppers
- Salt and pepper
Directions:
- Warm a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook by browning it and breaking it up as it cooks.
- While the beef is cooking, prepare your rice using the package instructions.
- Once the beef is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. Drain most of the fat from the pan and return it to the heat.
- Add the diced onions to the pan and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic for 60 seconds, then add the cooked beef back into the pan.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and salsa. Stir well.
- Add the beans and cooked brown rice, stirring to combine.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×9 oven-safe casserole dish with non-stick spray.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
- Top with grated cheese and sprinkle diced green pepper on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling.
- Serve with avocado, guacamole, or sour cream. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 449 kcal
Servings: 6 servings
A Delicious and Hearty Dinner Choice
If you’re looking for a filling, protein-packed meal that hits all the right notes of flavor and satisfaction, look no further than this Tex Mex Casserole with ground beef and beans. This comforting dish combines the rich flavors of Tex Mex cuisine—think savory ground beef, hearty black beans, and melted cheese—into a casserole that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a satisfying meal after a long day, this casserole delivers on all fronts.
What Makes Tex Mex Casserole So Special?
Tex Mex cuisine is known for its bold flavors, and this casserole is no exception. It brings together the best elements of this beloved culinary tradition, with spices and ingredients that add depth and a burst of flavor in every bite. Ground beef provides a hearty base, while the addition of black beans boosts the protein content and adds a creamy, satisfying texture. The use of brown rice or white rice makes the dish even more filling, and the combination of crushed tomatoes and salsa creates a tangy, slightly spicy sauce that ties everything together.
One of the standout features of this casserole is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. For example, if you’re a fan of spicier food, you can substitute jalapeño peppers for the green peppers or add some hot sauce or enchilada sauce to the mix. If you’re looking to make the dish even healthier, you could swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, which are both leaner options but still provide plenty of protein.
The Role of Cheese in This Casserole
Cheese plays a central role in making this dish both comforting and indulgent. The casserole is topped with a generous layer of grated cheese, which melts into a gooey, golden-brown crust when baked. This cheesy topping not only adds flavor but also creates a pleasing texture contrast with the tender ground beef and the creamy beans. In this recipe, marble cheese is used, but you can substitute it with any type of cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
For those who can’t get enough of cheese, feel free to add an extra handful to the filling or mix in some sour cream for added richness. And if you’re lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free option, you can easily swap the cheese for a vegan alternative that melts similarly. No matter how you choose to incorporate it, cheese is the ingredient that elevates this Tex Mex casserole from a simple weeknight meal to a true comfort food favorite.
A Nutrient-Packed Meal
In addition to being delicious, this Tex Mex casserole is packed with nutrients that make it a great choice for a balanced meal. The ground beef and beans provide a hefty amount of protein, making it a satisfying option for those looking to stay full and energized. With 33 grams of protein per serving, this dish is ideal for anyone following a high-protein diet or looking to build muscle.
The beans, in particular, add a significant amount of fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Black beans are also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, including iron and magnesium, making them a great addition to any meal. The use of brown rice instead of white rice further increases the fiber content, making the dish more filling and beneficial for heart health.
For those following a gluten-free diet, this Tex Mex casserole is an excellent option. All the ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, so there’s no need to worry about substitutions or modifications. Whether you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease or simply prefer to avoid gluten, this casserole is a safe and delicious choice.
Easy Meal Prep and Leftovers
One of the most convenient aspects of this Tex Mex casserole is how well it lends itself to meal prep. The recipe makes six generous portions, so it’s perfect for feeding a large family or saving for multiple meals throughout the week. The leftovers store well in the fridge for up to three days, and they reheat beautifully, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you don’t have time to cook from scratch.
You can also freeze the casserole if you’re looking to make meals ahead of time. Simply prepare the casserole as instructed, let it cool completely, and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, you can either thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven, or bake it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Perfect for Customization
What makes this casserole truly shine is how customizable it is. If you prefer vegetarian dishes, you can easily swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative, like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or crumbled tofu. The beans and rice provide enough protein and substance to make the dish hearty without the meat, and the flavors will still be bold and delicious.
Additionally, you can personalize the toppings to suit your taste. Fresh avocado slices, guacamole, sour cream, or even pickled jalapeños all make excellent accompaniments to the casserole. For an added crunch, you can top it with crushed tortilla chips or add some chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
This Tex Mex casserole is also a fantastic dish to serve for a gathering or potluck. Since it’s gluten-free and easily adaptable for different diets, it’s a great option when you’re cooking for a crowd with various dietary restrictions.
Conclusion:
This Tex Mex Casserole with ground beef and beans is the perfect dish to add to your regular meal rotation. It’s flavorful, filling, and incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. The combination of hearty ground beef, fiber-rich beans, and melted cheese creates a comforting meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights or for feeding a crowd at a gathering.
With the ease of preparation and its ability to be stored and reheated without losing flavor or texture, this casserole is also a fantastic choice for meal prep. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for your next event, this Tex Mex casserole delivers on all fronts.
