Easy South of the Border Casserole: Your Go-To Flavorful Weeknight Tex-Mex Dinner
Craving a dish that’s both vibrant in flavor and incredibly simple to prepare? Look no further than this fantastic South of the Border Casserole! Bursting with classic fiesta flavors, this easy casserole promises a delicious and satisfying dinner that will become a regular in your meal rotation. Perfect for busy weeknights, its straightforward preparation means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a hearty, family-friendly meal. When you use pre-cooked ground meat, the prep time for this delightful Tex-Mex casserole can be as little as 10 minutes, making it a true lifesaver on hectic evenings.
This recipe brings together robust ingredients in a comforting, baked dish, offering a taste of the Southwest right in your home. It’s wonderfully customizable, allowing you to tweak it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for delicious leftovers, this ground beef casserole delivers on taste, convenience, and pure comfort. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors with every spoonful!
Recipe
South of the Border Casserole
Add to Shopping ListGo to Shopping List
Ingredients
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup frozen corn
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 2.25 oz can sliced black olives, drained
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
Instructions
-
Brown meat, remove from heat, and stir in salsa. Mix green onions, corn, and olives.
-
In a large casserole dish, layer all the beans, ½ the meat mixture, all the vegetables, then the remaining meat mixture. Top with cheese and bake covered for 45 minutes at 350°F.
Nutrition per serving
Share
Pin
About This Easy Tex-Mex Casserole
The beauty of the South of the Border Casserole lies in its simplicity and the rich, comforting flavors it delivers. It’s a culinary hug in a dish, combining savory ground beef, hearty black beans, sweet corn, tangy salsa, and sharp cheddar cheese into a harmonious, irresistible meal. This casserole isn’t just easy to make; it’s a celebration of Tex-Mex cuisine, offering a balanced profile of textures and tastes that appeal to all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is designed for success, providing maximum flavor with minimal effort. It truly embodies what a great weeknight dinner should be: delicious, satisfying, and stress-free.
Key Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for Your Casserole
This recipe calls for a handful of common ingredients, making it easy to whip up any night of the week. Here’s a closer look at what makes this South of the Border Casserole so special, along with ideas for how to adapt it to your pantry or dietary needs. These thoughtful choices ensure a delicious and consistent result every time, while also offering flexibility for your culinary creativity.
- Ground Beef: The foundation of this hearty casserole. We recommend a lean ground beef (like 80/20 or 90/10) to minimize excess fat, which keeps the dish lighter and prevents it from becoming greasy. For an even quicker meal, using pre-cooked ground beef is a fantastic shortcut. You can also substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter protein, or a plant-based ground “meat” alternative for a delightful vegetarian option, without compromising on flavor.
- Black Beans: Canned black beans are a convenient and nutritious addition, offering a wonderful earthy flavor and satisfying texture. Ensure they are thoroughly drained and rinsed before use to remove excess sodium and improve their overall texture in the casserole. Pinto beans or kidney beans would also work beautifully if you prefer a different kind of bean or need a quick swap.
- Salsa: Your choice of salsa can greatly influence the final flavor profile of this Tex-Mex casserole. Whether you prefer mild, medium, or hot, pick your favorite to add that signature zesty kick. A chunky salsa will add more texture and visible vegetable pieces, while a smoother one will blend more seamlessly into the meat mixture, creating a uniform sauce. This is truly where many of the “fiesta flavors” of the South of the Border Casserole come alive.
- Frozen Corn: This ingredient adds a delightful touch of sweetness and a pleasant pop of texture to the casserole. There’s no need to thaw it beforehand; the corn will cook perfectly in the oven as the casserole bakes. Fresh corn cut from the cob or canned corn (thoroughly drained) can also be used as excellent alternatives.
- Chopped Green Onions: Green onions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor that subtly brightens and cuts through the richness of the dish. For a bolder, more pungent taste, you can use finely diced red onion. If you prefer an even milder onion hint, chives can be a lovely substitution.
- Sliced Black Olives: These add a distinctive briny, earthy counterpoint to the other robust ingredients in the casserole. Make sure they are well-drained to avoid excess liquid. If black olives aren’t to your taste, you can easily omit them or swap them for green olives, which will introduce a tangier note.
- Cheddar Cheese: The glorious topping that bakes into a bubbly, golden, and utterly irresistible layer. Sharp cheddar provides a robust and classic flavor, but a Tex-Mex blend, creamy Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack would be delicious alternatives to match your preference. Remember, freshly grated cheese generally melts better and tastes superior to most pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe further. Consider adding diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), a pinch of chili powder, smoked paprika, or cumin to the meat mixture for added depth. A layer of crushed tortilla chips on top before baking can also provide an amazing crunch. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to enhancing this versatile South of the Border Casserole!
Step-by-Step Guide for a Flawless Casserole
Making this South of the Border Casserole is incredibly simple, designed for cooks of all skill levels. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect, flavorful dish every time. Remember, the key to its ease is minimal fuss and maximum flavor impact, resulting in a hearty Tex-Mex meal that’s sure to impress.
-
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
Begin by preheating your oven to a moderate 350°F (175°C). In a large, sturdy skillet, brown your ground beef over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat apart into crumbles as it cooks until it’s no longer pink throughout. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Once fully cooked, it’s crucial to drain any excess grease from the skillet thoroughly. This step is vital for preventing a greasy casserole and ensuring a cleaner flavor profile. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the entire cup of salsa until it’s well combined with the browned beef. This immediately infuses the meat with those quintessential fiesta flavors, creating a rich and savory base.
-
Assemble the Vegetable Mix:
While the meat mixture is browning or cooling slightly, in a separate medium bowl, gently combine the ¼ cup of chopped green onions, 1 cup of frozen corn (no need to thaw, it cooks perfectly from frozen), and the 2.25 oz can of drained sliced black olives. Give them a good stir with a spoon to ensure all the components are evenly distributed. These fresh and vibrant elements add essential color, textural contrast, and a burst of complementary flavors to each hearty bite of the casserole.
-
Layer the Casserole:
Now, it’s time for the easy and satisfying assembly process. Take a large casserole dish (a 9×13 inch dish works perfectly for this recipe, ensuring even baking and serving for 5 servings) and evenly spread the entire 15 oz can of drained and rinsed black beans as the foundational layer at the bottom. Next, carefully spoon and spread half of your flavorful ground beef and salsa mixture over the black beans, creating an even layer. Follow this with a generous and colorful layer of your mixed green onions, corn, and olives. Finally, top this vegetable layer with the remaining meat and salsa mixture, spreading it out smoothly to cover the vegetables. To finish, generously sprinkle the two cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire top of the casserole, creating a tempting blanket of cheesy goodness that will bubble and brown in the oven.
-
Bake to Perfection:
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the casserole, ensuring the ingredients heat through evenly and the flavors meld beautifully without drying out the top layer prematurely. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. If you desire a slightly browned, crispy, and bubbly cheese topping, you can return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden to your preference. Remove the South of the Border Casserole from the oven and let it rest for a short 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period is important as it allows the casserole to set, making it much easier to portion and serve without it falling apart, while also allowing the flavors to fully settle.
Serving Suggestions for Your Tex-Mex Masterpiece
While this South of the Border Casserole is undeniably a complete and satisfying meal on its own, it truly shines when paired with a few simple accompaniments. These additions can enhance the texture, add freshness, and complement the rich Tex-Mex flavors. Consider these options to elevate your dining experience:
- Fresh Toppings: A dollop of cool sour cream or a healthier Greek yogurt can add a creamy contrast. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a spoonful of homemade guacamole will bring freshness and healthy fats. Extra chopped green onions can also provide a final flourish of flavor and color.
- Crunchy Sides: Serve with a side of crispy tortilla chips for scooping up the casserole, or crush them directly on top for added texture right before serving. A vibrant green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint, cutting through the richness of the casserole.
- Hearty Additions: For an even more substantial meal, consider serving a portion of the casserole alongside a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even cilantro-lime rice. Warm flour or corn tortillas are also a great option, allowing everyone to create their own Tex-Mex wraps with the casserole filling.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips for Busy Schedules
This easy casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly practical for meal prepping or feeding a larger gathering, as it reheats beautifully. Planning ahead with this South of the Border Casserole can save you even more precious time on those particularly busy evenings.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole (excluding the cheese topping) up to 24 hours in advance. After layering all the ingredients, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and keep it fresh. Refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When it’s cooking time, remove the plastic wrap, add the cheese, and bake as directed, potentially adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since the casserole will be starting from a cold state.
- Leftovers: Any leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes for convenient grab-and-go lunches or another quick dinner later in the week. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or for larger amounts, warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until hot.
- Freezing: This South of the Border Casserole freezes exceptionally well, making it a perfect candidate for freezer meals. Assemble the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, then an additional layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil to protect it from frost. Freeze for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 60-75 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly, heated through, and the cheese is melted and golden. Alternatively, you can thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual.
Why You’ll Love This South of the Border Casserole
Beyond its delicious taste and appealing fiesta flavors, there are numerous practical and delightful reasons why this South of the Border Casserole will quickly become a beloved and frequently requested staple in your home:
- Effortless Preparation: With minimal chopping, simple browning, and straightforward layering, this casserole is designed for maximum ease, perfect for even the most novice cooks.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its universally appealing Tex-Mex flavors, combined with hearty and satisfying ingredients, make it an absolute hit with both adults and children alike. Say goodbye to mealtime battles!
- Nutritious & Filling: Packed with lean protein from the ground beef (or your chosen alternative) and ample fiber from the black beans and corn, it’s a wholesome, well-rounded, and satisfying meal that will keep you full.
- Customization Galore: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Easily adapt it with different proteins, add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, swap out cheeses, or introduce a variety of spices to perfectly suit your taste preferences and what you have on hand.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing common, affordable ingredients that are readily available at any grocery store, this casserole offers a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
- Fantastic Leftovers: Like many great casseroles, this dish often tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping and convenient lunches or another quick dinner.
Pin this recipe:
Final Thoughts on Your Next Tex-Mex Meal
This South of the Border Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary solution for those nights when you need a comforting, delicious, and easy dinner without all the fuss. Its hearty ingredients and vibrant fiesta flavors make it an instant family favorite, perfect for any occasion from casual weeknight meals to informal gatherings with friends. With its simple preparation and incredible taste, this Tex-Mex delight is poised to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients, follow these straightforward steps, and prepare to delight your taste buds with a casserole that truly brings the fiesta to your table. Enjoy every savory, cheesy bite!