Description
A deliciously indulgent Mexican-inspired casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, and explosive pockets of melted cheese, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
For the casserole base:
-
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the cheese bomb layer:
-
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, divided
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the topping:
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- Extra sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and peppers, cook until softened.
- Add garlic and seasonings, then mix in beans, tomatoes, and chilies. Simmer 5-7 minutes.
- Combine cream cheese, 1 cup Mexican cheese blend, pepper jack, sour cream, and cilantro in a bowl.
- Layer half the meat mixture in baking dish, top with dollops of cheese mixture.
- Repeat layers, finishing with remaining cheeses and tortilla chips.
- Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving with desired toppings.
Notes
- Can substitute ground turkey for beef for a lighter option.
- Make ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- For less heat, omit jalapeños and reduce green chilies.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: mexican casserole, cheese bomb, mexican cheese casserole, taco casserole, comfort food