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Southwest Black Bean Beef Casserole - A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Dinner

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (80–90% lean works well)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained if canned)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with their juices
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles (mild or hot)
  • 1 cup red salsa (medium heat recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown) or 1 cup crushed tortilla chips for a crunchier base
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral cooking oil
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime wedges, pickled jalapeños

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven: Heat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish unless you’re using an oven-safe skillet.
  • Brown the beef: Warm 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Sauté the aromatics: Push the beef to the side, add the remaining oil, then add onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Season it up: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the beef and vegetables, toasting the spices for 30–60 seconds.
  • Add the mix-ins: Stir in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with juices, green chiles, and salsa. Simmer 3–4 minutes to bring everything together. Taste and adjust salt or heat.
  • Layer the base: Spread the cooked rice or crushed tortilla chips in an even layer in the baking dish. Spoon the beef and bean mixture over the top and smooth it out.
  • Add cheese: Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese. For extra color later, reserve a small handful to add in the final minutes of baking.
  • Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges bubble and the cheese is melted. If you like a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  • Rest and top: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes to set. Add fresh toppings like cilantro, green onions, avocado, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of sour cream.
  • Serve: Scoop into bowls and enjoy as is, or serve with warm tortillas or a side salad.