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Cheesy Mexican Beef and Bean Casserole

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A comforting, crowd pleasing Mexican inspired casserole made with seasoned ground beef, tender beans, rich tomato sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheese, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
  • 1–2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, chopped (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded Colby, Monterey Jack, or cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a medium baking dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped onion until softened.
  3. Add garlic and bell pepper and cook until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned.
  5. Drain excess fat if needed and stir in cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Add tomato passata, beans, and jalapeños and simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Skip the jalapeños and cayenne for a milder casserole and let it rest before serving for easier slicing.

Find it online: https://www.lylyrecipes.com/cheesy-mexican-beef-and-bean-casserole/