If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that is easy to make, Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans is the perfect choice. This dish brings together the robust flavors of Mexican cuisine in a comforting baked form. With a combination of ground beef, beans, and plenty of cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a dip with corn chips, make it into tacos, or enjoy it on its own. It’s a great way to use pantry staples and is customizable based on your preferences. Plus, the cheesy topping makes every bite extra special!
How to Make Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans
Making Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans is simple and can be done in a few easy steps. Just follow the directions below, and you’ll have a mouth-watering dish ready to share!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 green capsicum (bell pepper), cut into 1cm (1/2″) cubes (or other color)
- 500g (1 lb) beef mince (ground beef)
- 400g (14oz) can red kidney beans or black beans, drained (or other beans)
- 1 cup tomato passata
- 1/3 cup pickled sliced jalapeño
- 1 1/2 cups Colby cheese, shredded (or other cheese)
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (sub normal paprika)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (sub onion powder)
- 1 tsp onion powder (sub garlic powder)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (sub black pepper)
- 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F (180°C fan).
- Sauté – Heat the olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat (or other oven-proof pan). Cook the onion, garlic, and capsicum for 3 minutes.
- Cook beef & spices – Add the beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until there is no raw meat. Then, add the spices and cook for 1 more minute.
- Beans & tomato – Add the kidney beans and passata. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
- Cheese it! – Scatter the jalapeño slices across the surface, then top with cheese.
- Bake – Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes (without a lid).
- Serve! – Scoop into bowls and serve with corn chips or tortillas and your favorite Mexican fixings like guacamole, pico de gallo, fresh coriander, or sour cream. Enjoy dunking like nachos, or create DIY burritos or tacos!
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans
This dish can be served in different ways. You can enjoy it straight from the skillet, or you can serve it in bowls with corn chips for dipping. You can also fill tacos, burritos, or serve it with a side of tortillas for a more authentic experience. Top it off with your favorite toppings for extra flavor!
How to Store Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. You can reheat the dish in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Tips to Make Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute the beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Try using a mix of different cheeses for varied flavor and texture.
- Add vegetables like corn or zucchini to make it even more nutritious!
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite beans, vegetables, or spices. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with lentils or more beans!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can use any cheese you prefer such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep and reheat nicely for quick meals throughout the week.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving for that fresh, cheesy goodness.
Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans is a delicious and satisfying dish that is bound to become a family favorite. With its rich flavors and cheesy topping, it’s perfect for any occasion!
Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 green capsicum (bell pepper), cut into 1cm (1/2″) cubes or other color
- 500 g beef mince (ground beef)
- 400 g can red kidney beans or black beans, drained or other beans
- 1 cup tomato passata
- ⅓ cup pickled sliced jalapeño
- 1 ½ cups Colby cheese, shredded or other cheese
Spices
- 1 ½ tsp cumin powder
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika sub normal paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder sub onion powder
- 1 tsp onion powder sub garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper sub black pepper
- 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F (180°C fan).
- Heat the olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the onion, garlic, and capsicum for 3 minutes.
Cooking
- Add the beef and cook, breaking it up until there is no raw meat.
- Add the spices and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the kidney beans and tomato passata. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
Baking
- Scatter the jalapeño slices across the surface, then top with cheese.
- Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes without a lid.
- Scoop into bowls and serve with corn chips or tortillas and your favorite Mexican fixings.
