If you are looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal, this Ultimate Mexican Beef & Bean Dinner Bake delivers bold flavor with minimal effort in the kitchen. Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender beans, a rich tomato base, and a generous layer of melted cheese, this dish brings comforting Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table in an easy, family-friendly way.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want something hearty that everyone will enjoy. It is flexible, budget-friendly, and works beautifully as a main dish or as a filling for tortillas, rice bowls, or nachos.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Beef & Bean Dinner Bake
There are plenty of reasons this recipe earns a regular spot in dinner rotations.
First, it is incredibly easy to make. Everything comes together in one pan before baking, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup. You can have dinner on the table in about 45 minutes from start to finish.
Second, the flavors are rich and satisfying without being complicated. Warm spices, savory beef, tender beans, and gooey cheese create a comforting combination that appeals to both kids and adults.
Third, it is versatile. Serve it straight from the baking dish with a spoon, wrap it in tortillas, pile it over rice, or scoop it up with tortilla chips. Leftovers reheat well and taste just as good the next day.
Finally, this recipe is easy to adapt. You can adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or add extra vegetables depending on what you have on hand.
Ingredients for Mexican Beef & Bean Dinner Bake
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create big flavor.
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 quarter teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 cup tomato passata or tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) of kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/3 cup sliced pickled jalapenos, optional
- 1 and a half cups shredded melting cheese, such as cheddar or Colby Jack
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Ground beef provides a rich, savory base, but you can easily substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a meat free version, cooked lentils or a plant based ground alternative work well.
Kidney beans and black beans are both excellent choices. Pinto beans or a mixed bean blend can also be used without changing the cooking time.
Tomato passata creates a smooth, rich sauce. If you do not have it, canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes are good substitutes. Avoid tomato paste alone, as it is too concentrated.
For cheese, choose something that melts well. Cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican style blend are all great options.
If you are sensitive to heat, you can skip the cayenne and jalapenos entirely. The dish will still be flavorful without being spicy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This Mexican beef and bean dinner bake comes together quickly and easily.
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heat the olive oil in a large oven safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it is fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off excess fat if needed.
Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne if using, and salt. Stir well so the spices coat the meat evenly. Let the spices cook for about 1 minute to bloom their flavor.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Beans
Pour in the tomato passata or tomato sauce and stir to combine. Add the drained beans and mix gently.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add Jalapenos and Cheese
If you like a bit of heat, scatter the sliced pickled jalapenos over the top of the beef and bean mixture.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the surface.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden in spots.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use an oven safe skillet so you can move directly from stovetop to oven without transferring dishes.
- Taste the mixture before adding cheese and adjust salt or spice levels if needed.
- For a thicker bake, let the mixture simmer a few extra minutes before baking.
- Shred your own cheese if possible, as it melts more smoothly than preshredded varieties.
- Let the bake rest briefly after cooking so it sets and is easier to serve.
Flavor Variations
This recipe is easy to customize with different flavor twists.
Add a teaspoon of chili powder or taco seasoning for a stronger Tex-Mex profile.
Stir in a half cup of corn kernels for a touch of sweetness and extra texture.
Top with sliced olives before baking for a salty contrast.
Add a layer of cooked rice to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the beef mixture for a more filling casserole style meal.
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican beef and bean dinner bake is incredibly versatile.
Serve it hot with warm flour or corn tortillas so everyone can make their own wraps or tacos.
Spoon it over steamed white rice, brown rice, or cilantro lime rice for a hearty bowl.
Use it as a dip with tortilla chips for a fun, casual meal or party appetizer.
Top with sour cream, plain yogurt, diced avocado, or fresh salsa for extra freshness and creaminess.
Pair it with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Leftovers store very well, making this recipe great for meal prep.
Allow the bake to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.
For freezing, place the cooled beef and bean mixture in a freezer safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If freezing, consider adding fresh cheese when reheating rather than before freezing for best texture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate values based on six servings.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Values will vary depending on ingredients used and serving size.
FAQ About Mexican Beef & Bean Dinner Bake
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe works very well as a make ahead meal. Prepare the beef and bean mixture, spread it in the baking dish, and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, add the cheese and bake as directed.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The spice level is mild to moderate. If you leave out the cayenne pepper and jalapenos, it becomes very mild and kid-friendly. You can always add hot sauce or extra jalapenos at the table for those who want more heat.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based ground alternative all work well. Just be sure to season well, as lean proteins benefit from a little extra spice.
What is the best cheese for this bake?
Any good melting cheese works well. Cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are all excellent choices. Avoid hard cheeses that do not melt smoothly.
Can I turn this into a vegetarian dish?
Yes. Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or a meat free crumble. Use the same spices and follow the same steps for a satisfying vegetarian version.
Ultimate Mexican Beef & Bean Dinner Bake
Equipment
- oven-safe skillet
- cutting board
- knife
- wooden spoon
- oven
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 cup tomato passata or tomato sauce
- 15 oz kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/3 cup sliced pickled jalapeños (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded melting cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or similar)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and green bell pepper and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt. Cook for 1 minute to bloom spices.
- Stir in the tomato passata or sauce and add the drained beans. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Scatter sliced jalapeños over the mixture if using, then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Mexican Beef & Bean Dinner Bake is the kind of recipe that brings comfort, flavor, and flexibility to your kitchen. It is easy enough for busy weeknights, hearty enough for hungry families, and versatile enough to serve in many different ways.
Whether you enjoy it straight from the baking dish, wrapped in tortillas, or spooned over rice, this bake delivers reliable, crowd-pleasing results every time. Once you try it, it is sure to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation.
