Cheesy Ground Beef and Bean Casserole

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Bean Casserole is the ultimate cozy comfort food! It combines browned, seasoned ground beef, tender beans, a rich savory tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, all baked together until hot, bubbly, and golden.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
3. Add the aromatics: Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Season the beef: Add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the beef is evenly coated with the spices.
5. Make the filling: Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Add the drained kidney beans and black beans. Mix everything together and simmer for about 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
6. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the beef and bean mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
7. Add the cheese: Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cheesy casserole with:

• Warm tortillas or crusty bread
• A simple green salad
• Steamed rice
• Sour cream
• Sliced avocado
• Fresh tomatoes or salsa

Tips

For extra flavor, add a diced bell pepper or a small can of green chiles to the beef mixture.

You can also substitute the cheddar with Mexican-blend cheese, Colby Jack, or mozzarella.

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Enjoy this warm, cheesy, hearty casserole with your family!