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Mexican Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.1 from 41 reviews

This hearty Mexican Ground Beef Casserole combines flavorful seasoned ground beef with sautéed bell peppers and onions, layered over a base of seasoned cauliflower rice or traditional rice, all topped with sour cream and melted Mexican cheese. Quick to prepare and perfect for a family meal, this casserole delivers a delicious fusion of textures and spices in under an hour.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings

Ingredients

Base

  • 4 cups cooked cauliflower rice (or cooked white or brown rice)
  • 1 10-oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained very well)

Vegetables

  • 1 tbsp avocado oil (plus additional 1 tbsp for sautéing)
  • 2 large bell peppers (diced)
  • 1/2 large onion (diced)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt (to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste)

Meat and Seasoning

  • 2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup taco seasoning

Toppings and Garnishes

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups Mexican cheese blend (shredded)
  • Tomatoes (diced, for garnish)
  • Jalapenos (sliced, for garnish)
  • Avocados (sliced, for garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice Base: In a large skillet, cook the cauliflower rice according to your preference or cook white or brown rice using your favorite method, then stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Transfer this mixture evenly to the bottom of a large casserole dish and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Wipe down the skillet to remove any cauliflower residues, then heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium heat. Add diced bell peppers and onions, and sauté for 10 to 15 minutes until softened and starting to brown. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Spread the sautéed vegetables evenly over the rice layer in the casserole dish, then spread sour cream evenly on top with a spatula. Set aside.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) to get ready for baking the casserole.
  4. Cook Ground Beef: In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for about 10 minutes until fully browned.
  5. Season the Meat: Add water and taco seasoning to the cooked beef, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 5 minutes until the moisture has mostly absorbed and the meat is well-seasoned.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the sour cream and vegetable layer in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend on top evenly.
  7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, sliced avocados, and freshly chopped cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Mexican ground beef casserole.

Notes

  • You can substitute cauliflower rice with cooked white or brown rice based on preference or dietary needs.
  • Ensure the canned diced tomatoes are drained very well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
  • Adjust the level of jalapeno slices to control the heat of the dish according to your taste.
  • The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/mexican-ground-beef-casserole-recipe/