Description
This Mexican Fiesta Casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, tomatoes with green chilies, and rice, all topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and jalapeños, it makes for a perfect family-friendly dinner bursting with classic Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
Grains and Cheese
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnishes (Optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream for serving
- Sliced jalapeños for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until the spices become fragrant, allowing their flavors to develop.
- Combine with Veggies and Rice: Add the drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and cooked rice to the skillet. Mix everything well and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For added spice, increase the amount of diced green chilies or include extra jalapeños.
- Use brown rice or quinoa as a healthier grain alternative.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the ground beef and double the beans or add meatless crumbles.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
