Description
This Mexican Beef and Bean Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy beans, and gooey cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) refried beans
- 1 can (10 oz or 284 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups (8 oz or 225 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (4 oz or 115 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) salsa
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to bake the burrito bake evenly. This should take about 10 minutes.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add 1 medium diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.
- Next, add 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it's browned and no longer pink. Make sure to drain excess fat if necessary, as too much fat can make the dish greasy.
- Stir in 1 can of drained black beans, 1 can of refried beans, and 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be thick and aromatic.
- In a large baking dish, layer 4 large flour tortillas on the bottom, overlapping them slightly to cover the surface. This will be the base of your burrito bake.
- Spread half of the beef and bean mixture evenly over the tortillas, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of salsa. Repeat with another layer of tortillas, the remaining beef mixture, and top with 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese.
- Finally, cover the entire dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. You’ll know it's ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and slightly crispy on the edges. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Ensure your ground beef is well-browned for maximum flavor; undercooked meat can lead to a bland filling. Using a glass or ceramic baking dish helps monitor the browning of the cheese, while metal pans can conduct heat differently, potentially causing uneven cooking.