Tex Mex Casserole Recipe

There’s something so comforting about a bubbling baked casserole, and if you crave big flavors with minimal effort, Tex Mex Casserole is your perfect weeknight rescue. This recipe is an all-in-one, hearty dish loaded with everything you love about Tex Mex cuisine—savory beef, melty cheese, tender rice, black beans, and pops of vibrant veggies, all cozied up under a golden, gooey cheesy top. You’ll have this on the table quickly, with barely any prep and almost zero stress. This is a real game changer for busy days!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Truly Effortless: Everything cooks up in one pan and heads straight to the oven. You won’t need to juggle multiple pots or wash a pile of dishes after.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Layers of beef, cheese, beans, and punchy salsa ensure every bite is loaded with warmth, spice, and comfort—no bland casseroles here.
• Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, so you can pack leftovers for lunch or freeze portions for another night.
• Totally Customizable: This recipe is wide open for swapping ingredients. Use what you have on hand and tailor the spice level to your preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a role in building savory, crave-worthy flavor and a texture you’ll love.

• Lean Ground Beef: The protein-packed heart of the casserole—go for 95% lean so it’s hearty but not greasy. Turkey or chicken work, too.
• Onion: Sweet and mellow, onions meld into the base and add depth.
• Garlic: Don’t skip it—it adds an aromatic kick that elevates everything else.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated richness and gives a lush, thick layer to the sauce.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Juicy, fresh flavor and a little acidity! Fresh or canned both work.
• Salsa: Packs in bold, zesty flavor with all the Tex Mex spices in one leap (choose mild or hot).
• Black Beans: Creamy texture plus extra protein and fiber for staying power.
• Cooked Basmati Rice: Fluffy, aromatic rice grounds the whole dish and soaks up all the saucy goodness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Luscious, melty, and sharp—this is what makes the casserole craveable.
• Green Bell Pepper: Crunchy and sweet, for a hit of color and freshness.
• Salt and Black Pepper: The essentials—season to taste.

Variations

• Switch the Protein: Try ground turkey, ground chicken, or even finely chopped tofu for a lower-fat spin.
• Vegan or Dairy-Free: Swap cheese for a plant-based melt and skip the beef for extra beans or a meat alternative.
• Add Corn: Sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) bring a pop of natural sweetness and more color.
• Spicy Boost: Add chopped jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or use a hot salsa to amp up the heat.
• Top It Off: Finish with sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, sour cream, or even crushed tortilla chips for an irresistible crunch.

How to Make Tex Mex Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Beef

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet or oven-safe dish, sauté diced onion in a splash of olive oil until translucent. Add garlic and let it become fragrant—this just takes a minute.

Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat (important for keeping things light).

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and let it toast briefly—this draws out its sweetness. Add chopped tomatoes and salsa, mixing until everything blends into a rich, hearty sauce. Let it simmer a couple more minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 3: Add Beans, Peppers, and Rice

Fold in black beans, diced green bell pepper, and cooked basmati rice. Mix everything thoroughly for an even dispersal of flavors and textures.

Step 4: Cheese It Up and Bake

Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese over the beef and rice mixture, stirring to let the cheese melt in. Scatter the remaining cheese evenly on top—this will form that magical golden layer in the oven.

Transfer the skillet or dish to the oven (or move the mixture to a casserole dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe). Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.

Step 5: Cool, Garnish, and Serve

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes—this makes for easier cutting and lets flavors settle. Top with your favorite garnishes and dig in!

How to Serve

This casserole is definitely a standalone star, but pairing it smartly can make your meal feel extra special.

Classic Tex Mex Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Lime wedges for bright, tangy contrast.

On the Side:

• A crisp green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette.
• Warm flour or corn tortillas to scoop up all the cheesy filling.
• Crunchy tortilla chips for a fun, family-style dinner.

For Lunches:

• Spoon into meal prep containers and serve with a fresh salsa or slaw for a ready-to-go lunch that never gets boring.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tex Mex Casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Freezing

Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze in portions for easier reheating.

Reheating

For single portions, microwave until hot, stirring halfway. For larger amounts, reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating if you love it cheesy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Give this Tex Mex Casserole a try and see just how easy and satisfying dinner can be—no fuss, big bold flavors, and a cheesy top that’s impossible to resist. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but special enough to share with friends. The best part? You can take it in so many directions, so don’t be shy about swapping in your favorites. Get cozy, dig in, and enjoy every hearty, cheesy bite!

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