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Mexican Ground Beef Casserole - Easy, Cozy, and Full of Flavor

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef: 1 to 1.25 pounds, 85% or 90% lean works best.
  • Yellow onion: 1 small, diced.
  • Garlic: 2–3 cloves, minced.
  • Taco seasoning: 2–3 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade).
  • Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon for richness.
  • Diced tomatoes with green chiles: 1 can (10 ounces), undrained.
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed.
  • Corn: 1 cup frozen or 1 can (drained).
  • Cooked rice or small pasta: 2 cups (white rice, Spanish rice, elbow macaroni, or small shells).
  • Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup for creaminess.
  • Shredded cheese: 2 cups (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack).
  • Green onions or cilantro: Optional, for garnish.
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, if needed.
  • Salt and pepper: To taste.
  • Optional add-ins: 1 diced bell pepper, 1 small can sliced olives, 1 small can mild enchilada sauce for extra sauciness.

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Brown the beef: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Season it up: Sprinkle in taco seasoning, tomato paste, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to coat the beef.
  5. Build the filling: Add the diced tomatoes with green chiles (with juices), black beans, and corn. If using bell pepper or olives, add them now. Simmer 2–3 minutes to marry flavors.
  6. Make it creamy: Turn off the heat and fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  7. Combine with starch: Stir in the cooked rice or pasta until evenly mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Assemble: Spread half the mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle with half the cheese. Add the remaining mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.
  9. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 8–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Finish and serve: Let rest 5 minutes. Top with sliced green onions or chopped cilantro. Serve with salsa, avocado, pickled jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime.