Kimโs Tex-Mex Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: One-Dish Meal
Keywords: < 60 Mins, Oven
This homemade Tex-Mex casserole is a delightful dish made with simple pantry ingredients, and itโs sure to become a favorite in your household. I put this recipe together using the ingredients I had on hand, and it turned out to be a big hit with my husband and kids. The flavorful combination of ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes with a spicy kick from jalapenos, topped with melted cheddar cheese, creates a mouthwatering, filling meal. I hope youโll enjoy it as much as we did!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Onion | 1 (medium) |
| Fresh tomatoes | 1 (large) |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Ground beef | 1 1/2 lbs |
| Pinto beans | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Tomatoes with jalapenos | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 613.2 |
| Total Fat | 34.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 127 mg |
| Sodium | 712.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 37.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.8 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Protein | 40 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to preheat at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
-
Cook the Base:
- In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, add the chopped onion, fresh tomato, and garlic powder to the pan. Stir to combine, and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the onion is soft and lightly browned.
- Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the beef until itโs fully browned, making sure to crumble it finely as it cooks.
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the beef is cooking, open the cans of pinto beans, yellow sweet corn, and tomatoes with jalapenos. Pour each into a colander and drain thoroughly to remove excess liquid.
-
Simmer the Mixture:
- Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease and return the beef mixture to the frying pan.
- Add the taco seasonings and water to the pan, stirring well to incorporate the flavors. Let this mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
- Stir in the drained pinto beans, corn, and tomatoes with jalapenos. Mix everything thoroughly and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes, ensuring that all ingredients are heated through.
-
Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the entire beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 8 x 12-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with a generous layer of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
-
Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. The cheese should be slightly golden on top.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Slice and serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or sour cream if desired. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of tortilla chips or a fresh salad.
Tips for Success:
- Ground Beef Substitute: If you prefer, you can swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the casserole.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by using milder or spicier jalapenos, or you can even add some extra chili powder or hot sauce for an added kick.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to use a different cheese such as Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a twist on the flavor.
This casserole is a one-dish meal that brings together hearty ingredients in a flavor-packed package. Itโs a perfect weeknight dinner for busy families, or you can prepare it ahead of time and bake it later for an even quicker meal. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this homemade Tex-Mex dish thatโs sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table!
