Looking for a delicious dish to spice up your Cinco De Mayo celebration? Look no further than our flavorful Cinco De Mayo Casserole! Packed with zesty ingredients and melted cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit at your festive gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a comforting meal with a Mexican twist, this casserole is easy to make and full of vibrant flavors that will transport your taste buds south of the border.
**Cinco De Mayo Casserole**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can corn kernels, drained
– 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Sour cream, salsa, and avocado slices (for serving)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Add the chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
4. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spread half of the beef and vegetable mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with one cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Layer the remaining beef and vegetable mixture on top and cover with the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Once cooked, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream, salsa, and avocado slices on the side.
This Cinco De Mayo Casserole is a celebration on a plate! With a winning combination of savory beef, colorful vegetables, and gooey cheese, every bite is a fiesta for your taste buds. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – you can customize it with your favorite toppings like jalapeños, olives, or even a squeeze of lime for an extra kick.
Whether you’re observing Cinco De Mayo with friends or craving a comforting meal any day of the year, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Easy to prepare and bursting with Mexican flavors, it’s a must-try recipe that will make any occasion feel festive. Enjoy the flavors of Mexico right in your own home with this delicious and satisfying Cinco De Mayo Casserole!