Description
Hearty Tex Mex Casserole brings layers of spicy southwestern comfort to dinner tables across Texas. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and zesty beans create a perfect one-dish meal that satisfies hungry families in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: cilantro, jalapeños, diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in taco seasoning, ensuring the meat and vegetables are evenly coated with spices.
- Pour in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Layer half of the tortilla chips across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a crunchy base.
- Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the tortilla chip layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the top, covering the entire surface.
- Top with remaining tortilla chips, creating a crispy upper layer.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is completely melted and edges are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and dollops of sour cream if desired.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or black beans to create a vegetarian version that’s just as hearty and flavorful.
- Reduce heat sensitivity by using mild salsa and removing jalapeño seeds, making the dish more kid-friendly without compromising taste.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking process, allowing you to assemble the casserole quickly on busy weeknights.
- Customize toppings like Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, or diced avocado to add extra layers of texture and freshness right before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 488 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg