Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a fiesta of flavors in just 40 minutes! Our "One Dish Mexican Dinner" is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a hassle-free recipe that combines the heartiness of ground beef, the creaminess of cheese, and the zesty kick of taco seasoning—all in one delicious casserole! Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish serves six and is sure to impress your family and friends. Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and discover how easy it is to bring the vibrant tastes of Mexico to your dinner table!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a large casserole dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or oil.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the ground beef and return the skillet to the stove.
- Add the taco seasoning packet to the beef, stirring thoroughly to coat the meat evenly. Follow packet instructions for water quantity if needed.
- In the prepared casserole dish, layer the cooked rice as the first base layer, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Add the seasoned ground beef as the next layer, spreading it uniformly over the rice.
- Drain the black beans and distribute them evenly over the beef layer.
- Sprinkle the corn kernels across the top of the beans, creating an even distribution.
- Cover the entire dish with shredded cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional toppings like chopped cilantro, sour cream, or salsa if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the ground beef and layer the casserole in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you're ready to bake!
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the black beans for pinto beans or add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack can elevate the dish.
- Layering Technique: Ensure even cooking by layering the ingredients properly. Start with rice, then beef, beans, corn, and finally cheese for a perfect melt.
- Serve with Style: Elevate your serving by adding fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocados, or a dollop of sour cream for a refreshing contrast to the warm casserole.
- Oven Watch: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Leftover Magic: This dish makes for great leftovers! Simply reheat in the oven or microwave, and enjoy the flavors even more the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 70mg
