Easy 30-Minute Mexican Casserole

Need a comforting dinner on the table in under 30 minutes? This Easy Mexican Casserole is your new weeknight hero. It’s hearty, cheesy, and layered with Tex-Mex flavors — all made in one skillet and ready faster than takeout. Perfect for busy families, picky eaters, or anyone craving something bold and satisfying with minimal effort.

This dish features seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and rice — all cooked together and topped with melty cheese. It’s the kind of meal that feels like comfort food, but it’s secretly loaded with protein, fiber, and flavor.

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🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned & drained)
• 1½ cups salsa (mild or spicy, your choice)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, diced avocado, lime wedges

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the beef
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add seasoning
   Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Mix in remaining ingredients
   Add cooked rice, black beans, corn, and salsa. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add cheese
   Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely.
5. Serve & garnish
   Spoon onto plates or into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Serve with tortilla chips, warm tortillas, or a simple side salad.

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🔍 Nutrition (Per Serving – approx. based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 23g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 5g

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💡 Tips & Tricks

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Make it spicier with cayenne, chipotle powder, or hot salsa.
• Stir in chopped bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies.
• Double the recipe and freeze one half for later!
• Turn it into a burrito filling or taco stuffing — so versatile!