If you’re craving a dish that balances hearty, spicy, and cheesy flavors all in one, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans Recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food that combines tender beef mince, tender beans, smoky spices, and a melty blanket of cheese baked to golden perfection. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor and texture that can turn any weeknight dinner into a fiesta. I simply can’t recommend this recipe enough if you want something satisfying, simple, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients is the secret to making an unforgettable Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans Recipe. Each one plays a special role, from infusing smoky warmth to adding creamy richness and vibrant colors that make this dish as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity richness to the base flavors.
- Red onion: Gives a sweet and slightly sharp freshness that balances the spices.
- Garlic cloves: Adds that unmistakable aromatic kick that makes everything taste homemade.
- Green capsicum / bell pepper: Provides crisp texture and a fresh vegetal brightness.
- Beef mince (ground beef): The hearty protein backbone that soaks up all the spices beautifully.
- Red kidney beans (or black beans): Bring creamy texture and earthy flavor while boosting the nutritional punch.
- Tomato passata: Adds tangy juiciness and a luscious red hue to tie the dish together.
- Pickled sliced jalapeño: A spicy, tangy surprise that livens up each bite.
- Colby cheese: Melts into a gooey, mild, and creamy topping that complements all the bold ingredients.
- Cumin powder: Provides a warm, slightly nutty earthiness fundamental to Mexican flavors.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky aroma that deepens the savory notes.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: Boost the natural flavors with concentrated savory sweetness.
- Dried oregano: Lends a fragrant herbal touch to enhance the aromatic profile.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds just enough heat to awaken the taste buds without overpowering.
- Cooking/kosher salt: Essential to tie all the flavors together and bring out their best.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 200°C (that’s 400°F or 180°C fan) so it’s ready to welcome those irresistibly cheesy ingredients in no time.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics for a Flavor Base
In a cast-iron skillet or oven-proof pan, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, and diced green capsicum. Let them mingle and soften for about three minutes until the onion is translucent and the mixture smells invitingly savory.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Spice It Up
Next, add the ground beef to that fragrant base. Break it apart gently with your spoon or spatula, stirring till all the meat turns a beautiful brown with no pink left in sight. Sprinkle in cumin powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir well and cook for an extra minute so the spices can bloom and coat the beef evenly.
Step 4: Stir in Beans and Tomato Passata
Pour in the drained kidney beans and the luscious tomato passata. Give everything a good stir, making sure every bit of beef is surrounded by a rich, tangy sauce. Bring the mix to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld into a hearty filling for your Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans Recipe.
Step 5: Top with Jalapeños and Cheese
Scatter the pickled sliced jalapeños evenly over the simmering beef and bean mixture—this is the little spicy spark that brightens the whole dish. Then generously cover everything with the shredded Colby cheese. This melting cheese will soon bind all those delicious ingredients together under a golden, bubbly crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the skillet into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. The cheese will bubble up beautifully and start turning golden brown around the edges—pure magic!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Pull it out, let it cool for a minute, then dive right in. Scoop it into bowls and prepare to be impressed by how perfectly this dish hits every flavor note and texture you want from a Mexican-inspired meal.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is a wonderful way to personalize your dish and add fresh, complementary layers. Consider dolloping cool sour cream or a vibrant guacamole right on top. Fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves and a sprinkle of pico de gallo or your favorite salsa bring a bright, zesty pop that contrasts beautifully with the cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs exceptionally well with crunchy corn chips that you can dunk straight into your skillet serving, or warm tortillas to roll it into tacos or burritos. A simple side of Mexican rice or refried beans can round out the meal if you want extra heartiness on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn the Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans Recipe into a DIY taco night? Serve the baked mixture and fixings separately with soft tortillas, letting everyone create their own masterpiece. Alternatively, use it as a filling for stuffed peppers or top a baked potato for a unique twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. After baking, let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or extra passata to keep it juicy and meltingly delicious.
FAQs
Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While red kidney beans or black beans are traditional and work best here, you can swap in pinto beans or even chickpeas if you prefer. Just make sure the beans are drained and rinsed if canned.
What cheese works best for this Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans Recipe?
Colby cheese melts beautifully and offers a mild flavor, but you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. Choose whatever melts well and suits your taste.
Is this recipe spicy?
This dish has a gentle heat thanks to the cayenne pepper and jalapeños. You can adjust the amount of jalapeños or omit the cayenne to make it milder or crank it up if you love more spice.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your spice blends and canned goods for any hidden gluten. Serve with gluten-free corn chips or tortillas to be safe.
Can I prepare this dish without an oven-proof skillet?
If you don’t have an oven-proof skillet, cook the beef and bean mixture in a regular pan, then transfer everything to a baking dish before topping with cheese and baking.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans Recipe a place on your weekly dinner rotation. It brings together simple ingredients into a dish that feels special without any fuss. Whether for a family meal or casual get-together, it’s guaranteed to please and comfort with every melty, spicy, flavorful bite. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Cheesy Baked Mexican Beef and Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A flavorful and cheesy baked Mexican beef and beans casserole featuring ground beef, kidney beans, and vibrant spices, topped with melted Colby cheese and jalapeños. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner served with tortillas or corn chips and fresh Mexican fixings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 green capsicum (bell pepper), cut into 1cm / 1/2″ cubes
- 500g / 1 lb beef mince (ground beef)
- 400g / 14oz can red kidney beans, drained
- 1 cup tomato passata
- 1/3 cup pickled sliced jalapeño
- 1 1/2 cups Colby cheese, shredded
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (can substitute normal paprika)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (can substitute onion powder)
- 1 tsp onion powder (can substitute garlic powder)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (can substitute black pepper)
- 1 tsp cooking or kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F (or 180°C fan). This ensures the oven is ready for baking the dish once all components are combined.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or any oven-proof pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, and diced green capsicum. Cook for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften and develop aroma.
- Cook Beef and Spices: Add the ground beef mince to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Continue cooking until no raw meat is visible. Then add cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir to combine and cook spices with the meat for 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Add Beans and Tomato Passata: Stir in the drained kidney beans and tomato passata. Mix everything thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
- Add Jalapeños and Cheese: Scatter the pickled sliced jalapeños evenly on top of the beef mixture, then sprinkle the shredded Colby cheese over the entire surface.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Scoop portions into bowls and enjoy with corn chips, tortillas, and your favorite Mexican accompaniments like guacamole, pico de gallo, fresh coriander, or sour cream. It’s perfect for making nachos, burritos, or tacos.
Notes
- You can substitute Colby cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
- If you prefer, substitute red kidney beans with black beans or other canned beans.
- You can adjust the level of spice by varying the amount of jalapeños and cayenne pepper.
- Using a cast-iron skillet helps with even cooking and can go straight from stovetop to oven, but any oven-proof pan works.
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef mince with a plant-based alternative or additional beans.
