Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s also quick and easy to make? Look no further than this Tex-Mex casserole! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, satisfying cravings for delicious food, and impressing your family and friends with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic example of homemade cooking that’s both healthy and hearty. This recipe is packed with all the best flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to enjoy this simple yet satisfying dish!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 6-8 people.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped green onions
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Brown the meat: Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Combine the ingredients: Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and taco seasoning. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Stir in the cooked rice.
Assemble the casserole: Pour the beef and bean mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Bake to perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or chopped green onions, for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture for extra heat.
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the casserole for added nutrients and flavor.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with 1 (15 ounce) can of vegetarian chili for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or queso fresco.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This Tex-Mex casserole recipe is a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week. It's a great option for quick dinner ideas and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!