Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans

Introduction

Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans is a delicious meal that brings together the flavors of Mexican cuisine in a warm, comforting dish. It features ground beef, beans, and melty cheese, all baked together for a satisfying experience. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans. First, it’s simple and quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Second, it’s loaded with flavors that everyone loves, from savory beef to cheesy goodness. Plus, you can serve it with your favorite sides and toppings, making it customizable for everyone’s taste.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans

Making this dish is easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create your Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 green capsicum/bell pepper, cut into 1cm/½" 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 (substitute with normal paprika)
1 tsp garlic powder (substitute with onion powder)
1 tsp onion powder (substitute with garlic powder)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (substitute with black pepper)
1 tsp cooking/kosher salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F (180°C fan).
Preheat your oven to ensure it’s ready for baking.
Sauté – Heat the olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat (or other oven-proof pan). Cook onion, garlic, and capsicum for 3 minutes.
This step builds a flavorful base for your dish.
Cook beef & spices – Add beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until you no longer see raw meat. Add spices, then cook for 1 minute.
Ensure the beef is fully cooked and the spices are fragrant.
Beans & tomato – Add kidney beans and passata. Stir, then bring to a simmer.
This adds body and richness to the dish.
Cheese it! Scatter the jalapeño across the surface, top with cheese.
The cheese is essential for that gooey texture.
Bake 15 minutes (no lid) then remove from the oven.
Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve! Scoop into bowls and serve with corn chips or tortillas with your favorite Mexican fixings (guacamole, avocado sauce, pico de gallo, fresh coriander, sour cream). Dunk like nachos, make DIY burritos or tacos!
This dish is versatile and fun to eat!

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans

You can serve Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans in bowls or on plates. Pair it with corn chips, tortillas, or even rice for a complete meal. Offer toppings like guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, or salsa for an added burst of flavor.

How to Store Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

Tips to Make Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans

Use lean beef for a healthier option.
Feel free to add more veggies like corn or zucchini.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Variation

You can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the beef with extra beans or lentils. You can also use different types of cheese according to your preference.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans ahead of time?
Yes! It can be prepared a day in advance and baked right before serving.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve it with corn chips, tortillas, or your favorite Mexican side dishes like rice or salad.
Is it spicy?
The spice level can be controlled by adjusting the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper used. You can always omit them for a milder dish.

Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans recipe!