Easy South of the Border Casserole: Your Go-To Tex-Mex Dinner Recipe

Are you searching for a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner that transports your taste buds straight to a fiesta? Look no further than this delightful South of the Border Casserole! Bursting with classic Tex-Mex flavors, this hearty dish is designed for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing for a casual get-together, its irresistible combination of savory meat, zesty salsa, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese will have everyone asking for seconds.

What makes this casserole truly stand out is its simplicity. With minimal prep, especially if you opt for pre-cooked ground meat, you can have this delicious meal ready to bake in under 10 minutes. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a lively twist, perfect for those evenings when you need a quick, no-fuss solution that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Why This Tex-Mex Casserole is a Weeknight Winner

This South of the Border Casserole isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary hack for delicious, stress-free dining. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation:

• Effortless Preparation: The beauty of this casserole lies in its minimal effort. If you keep cooked ground meat on hand, the assembly process is incredibly quick, making it ideal for those hectic weekday evenings. Even if you start from scratch, browning the meat takes just a few extra minutes.
• Explosion of Flavor: Every spoonful is a party! The rich, savory ground meat perfectly complements the vibrant tang of salsa, the subtle sweetness of corn, and the briny kick of black olives, all brought together under a blanket of gooey, melted cheddar cheese. It’s a harmonious blend that satisfies all your Tex-Mex cravings.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: This dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Its familiar flavors and comforting casserole format make it an easy sell, even for picky eaters. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s preferences.
• Versatile and Customizable: Don’t have black beans? Use pinto beans! Prefer ground turkey? Go for it! This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to swap ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or what your family loves. Add bell peppers, jalapeños, or different cheeses to make it uniquely yours.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the casserole layers ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. When dinner time rolls around, simply pop it in the oven. This makes meal planning and execution a breeze for busy schedules.
• Hearty and Wholesome: Packed with protein from the meat and beans, fiber from the vegetables, and satisfying cheese, this casserole is a complete and nutritious meal that will keep you feeling full and energized.

The Star Ingredients Behind the Fiesta Flavor

Each component of this South of the Border Casserole plays a crucial role in creating its iconic flavor profile. Let’s delve into what makes these ingredients shine:

• Ground Beef (or your preferred ground meat): This forms the hearty base of our casserole. While ground beef offers a classic, rich flavor, feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative. The key is to brown it thoroughly, creating those savory, caramelized bits that add depth.
• Black Beans: A staple in Tex-Mex cuisine, black beans bring a creamy texture, earthy flavor, and a powerful punch of protein and fiber. Draining and rinsing them removes excess sodium and starch, ensuring a clean taste.
• Salsa: This is where the “South of the Border” magic truly happens! Salsa introduces acidity, a touch of spice, and a fresh, vibrant tomato base that infuses the entire dish with authentic flavor. Choose your favorite mild, medium, or hot salsa to control the heat level.
• Frozen Corn: Adding a burst of sweet, tender kernels, frozen corn brightens the casserole with both flavor and color. It provides a delightful contrast to the savory meat and beans.
• Chopped Green Onions: These provide a mild onion flavor and a crisp freshness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat. They add a delicate bite without being overpowering.
• Sliced Black Olives: Briny and slightly salty, black olives contribute a unique umami depth that complements the other ingredients beautifully. They’re a classic Tex-Mex addition that many love.
• Cheddar Cheese: No casserole is complete without a generous topping of melted cheese! Sharp cheddar offers a bold, savory flavor and a wonderfully gooey texture that binds all the ingredients together, creating that irresistible golden-brown crust. You can also experiment with a Tex-Mex blend, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese.

Recipe

South of the Border Casserole

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Fiesta flavors make this easy casserole a delicious dinner. If using cooked ground meat, the prep for South of the Border Casserole is less than 10 minutes.

AuthorAuthor: Mary Ann

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Gluten-free, Tex-Mex

Servings 5 servings

Calories 451

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

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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

Calories: 451 calCarbohydrates: 27 gProtein: 38 gFat: 22 gSodium: 1235 mgFiber: 8 gSugar: 2 gNet Carbohydrates: 19 g

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Step-by-Step Guide to a Perfect South of the Border Casserole

Creating this casserole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple instructions for a delicious and satisfying meal:

Preparation is Key:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and efficiently.
2. Prepare Your Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a large casserole dish. This prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup.
3. Cook the Ground Meat: If you’re not using pre-cooked meat, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor.

Assembling the Layers:

4. Flavor the Meat: Remove the browned meat from the heat. Stir in the salsa until the meat is fully coated and the flavors are well combined. The salsa will infuse the meat with its characteristic tangy and spicy notes.
5. Mix the Vegetables: In a separate bowl, combine the drained and rinsed black beans, frozen corn, chopped green onions, and drained sliced black olives. Give them a good toss to ensure an even distribution. This vibrant mix of vegetables adds texture, color, and freshness to every bite.
6. Layer the Casserole: Now comes the fun part – layering!
   • Spread all of the drained and rinsed black beans evenly across the bottom of your prepared casserole dish.
   • Next, spoon half of the meat and salsa mixture over the black beans, spreading it out to create an even layer.
   • Distribute all of the mixed vegetables (corn, green onions, and olives) over the meat layer.
   • Finally, top with the remaining half of the meat and salsa mixture.
7. Add the Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle the two cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the entire casserole. The cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly crust, locking in all the delicious flavors.

Baking to Perfection:

8. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the ingredients, ensuring everything cooks through and stays moist. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
9. Optional: Uncover for Golden Brown: For a deliciously golden-brown and slightly crispy cheese topping, remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
10. Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes for cleaner serving.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Toppings

This South of the Border Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few thoughtful accompaniments and toppings:

• Classic Sides: Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness, or with a side of fluffy rice (white or brown) to soak up all the delicious juices. Warm flour or corn tortillas are also a fantastic addition for scooping up the casserole.
• Fresh Toppings:
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds a cool, creamy contrast.
  • Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro brightens the flavors and adds a pop of color.
  • Guacamole or Sliced Avocado: For extra creaminess and healthy fats.
  • Extra Salsa: Offer a bowl of your favorite salsa on the side for those who love an extra kick.
  • Jalapeños: Freshly sliced or pickled jalapeños for an added layer of spice.
  • Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can truly make the flavors sing.
  • Crushed Tortilla Chips: For added crunch and texture.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Casserole

Mastering this casserole is easy, but a few pointers can make it even better:

• Don’t Skip Draining: Always drain the black beans and any fat from your ground meat. Excess liquid can make your casserole watery.
• Season Well: While salsa provides a lot of flavor, taste your meat mixture before layering. You might want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, cumin, or chili powder, especially if your salsa is mild.
• Cheese Choice: While cheddar is classic, a blend of Mexican cheeses, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked gouda can add an interesting twist.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time to account for starting with a cold dish.
• Freezing Instructions: This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble as directed but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual. You can also freeze baked leftovers in individual portions for quick meals.
• Spice it Up: For those who love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can also layer in some diced green chilies or jalapeños with the corn and olives.

Nutritional Insights

Understanding the nutritional value of your meal is important. Per serving, this South of the Border Casserole provides a substantial and satisfying profile:

• Calories: 451 cal – A hearty portion that can easily fit into a balanced diet.
• Carbohydrates: 27 g – Primarily from the beans and corn, offering sustained energy.
• Protein: 38 g – An excellent source of protein, crucial for muscle repair and satiety, coming from the ground beef and black beans.
• Fat: 22 g – Provides essential fatty acids and contributes to the richness and flavor of the casserole.
• Sodium: 1235 mg – Keep an eye on sodium intake; using low-sodium beans and salsa can help reduce this if needed.
• Fiber: 8 g – A good amount of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping you feel full.
• Sugar: 2 g – Minimal added sugars, primarily from the natural sweetness of the corn and salsa.
• Net Carbohydrates: 19 g – For those mindful of carb intake, this provides a moderate net carb count.

This casserole is not only delicious but also offers a good balance of macronutrients, making it a wholesome choice for your dinner table.

Pin this recipe:

Don’t let this fantastic recipe get lost! Pin it to your favorite dinner or Tex-Mex recipe board on Pinterest so you can easily find it whenever a craving strikes. It’s a lifesaver for busy evenings and a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Conclusion: Your Next Favorite Dinner

The South of the Border Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to enjoy bold, exciting flavors with minimal effort. Its ease of preparation, versatility, and universal appeal make it an ideal choice for any home cook looking for a reliable, delicious recipe. From the savory depth of the seasoned meat to the fresh crunch of vegetables and the comforting embrace of melted cheese, every element comes together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and memorable.

So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to delight your family and friends with a taste of Tex-Mex fiesta. This casserole is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection, proving that extraordinary meals don’t have to be complicated. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the joy of a homemade dinner!