Mexi Beef Casserole
A hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired casserole combining seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese, topped with crunchy chips. Perfect for a quick family dinner or casual gathering, it offers bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/4 oz.) can sliced ripe olives, drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. crushed corn chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped celery in a 2 1/2-quart casserole, stirring well.
- Cover with wax paper and microwave on High for 5 to 6 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, stirring every 2 minutes.
- Drain off drippings.
- Add drained kidney beans, drained corn, tomato sauce, sliced olives, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture, stirring well.
- Cover and microwave on High for 4 to 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring after 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese and crushed corn chips.
- Reduce to Medium-high (70% power) and microwave, uncovered, for 2 minutes until cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a bit of spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you don't have kidney beans, black beans work great as a substitute. You can use any cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile. This dish is versatile and can be adjusted to your taste, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mexi Beef Casserole with a side of fresh guacamole or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Terry'S Impossible Taco Pie for a themed dinner. You can also offer sour cream and salsa on the side for added flavor. This dish is excellent for gatherings, as it is hearty and satisfying, making it a favorite among family and friends.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power in 1-minute increments, stirring in between, until heated through. For best results, avoid reheating more than once to maintain texture and flavor. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexi Beef Casserole contains roughly 1199 calories, with 32g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (66% of the Daily Value), protein (65% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just follow the recipe until the point of microwaving, then cover and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, simply microwave it until heated through. This makes it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
For a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, use a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans and vegetables to maintain the hearty texture. Just adjust the cooking times as necessary.
Is it possible to make this dish in the oven instead of the microwave?
Absolutely! After combining all the ingredients in a casserole dish, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese and corn chips to crisp up nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).