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Tasty Ground Beef Bean Bake
Want to know my favorite dinner dish? It's this down-to-earth casserole that'll warm you right up. I've thrown together seasoned beef, filling beans, and tons of stretchy cheese in one simple pan. What I really enjoy is how fast it's ready when I'm swamped with stuff to do, and my kids always run to the kitchen when this thing's cooking. You'll definitely add this to your regular rotation.
What Makes This Dish So Good
You'll fall for this straightforward bake because:
- It's ready to cook in no time flat when life gets crazy
- You can't beat the tasty mix of meat beans and gooey cheese
- The flavors can be tweaked just how your family wants it
- There's only one pan to wash afterward
Simple Stuff You'll Need
- Ground Beef: Go with lean meat and dump any excess grease for best results.
- Beans: Black, kidney, or pinto all work great depending on what you prefer.
- Salsa: Use whatever heat level makes your taste buds happy in this uncomplicated dish.
- Diced Tomatoes: Standard or smoky fire-roasted will both make this bake taste fantastic.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shred it yourself for the meltiest top layer.
Quick How-To Guide
- Fire Up Your Pan
- Get your big skillet hot over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef, breaking it into tiny chunks as it sizzles. Watch it turn from red to brown over 8-10 minutes. After it's done cooking, dump out the extra fat so your dish won't end up swimming in grease. Shake on some salt and pepper while the meat's still hot.
- Mix Your Main Ingredients
- Grab your blender and throw in those tomatoes, giving them a whirl until they're completely smooth. Now for the fun part - in a big bowl, mix your cooked beef, the smooth tomato blend, your favorite salsa (hot or mild, it's up to you!), and your beans. Stir everything till it's all mixed up. The smell will make your mouth water! Pour everything into your baking dish and smooth it out.
- Add Your Cheese Topping
- Sprinkle all that cheese across the top, making sure you get it right to the edges. Everyone should get some of that amazing cheesy goodness in every bite they take.
- Cook It Through
- Put foil over your dish and stick it in your 400°F oven. Let it cook for about 25 minutes until everything's hot and bubbly. Here's a little trick - take the foil off for the last 10 minutes. You'll get this amazing golden top with crispy spots. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn!
- Cool and Dish Up
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes after you take it out. This helps everything firm up a bit and makes serving way easier. It'll still be plenty hot to eat but won't scald anyone's tongue!
Great Ways to Serve It
This quick dish pairs perfectly with:
- Crunchy corn chips and a spoonful of sour cream on top
- A helping of white rice on the side
- Fresh toppings like green cilantro, sliced avocado, or a squeeze of lime
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Tricks for Best Results
- Get Rid of Fat: This quick step keeps your dish from swimming in grease.
- Skip Pre-Shredded Cheese: Block cheese you grate yourself melts way better.
- Play with Flavors: Throw in some hot sauce if you want more kick.
A No-Fuss Crowd-Pleaser
This straightforward beef and bean bake works for just about any meal. It's great when you're rushing on weeknights or having friends over without much fuss. Top it however you want and pair it with sides that make you happy - this quick dish is all about food that makes you feel good.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What does blending tomatoes do?
Makes the sauce smooth and easy to spread in the dish.
- → Can I switch the beans?
Definitely! Any bean type fits just right.
- → Why skim extra fat?
Keeps the dish balanced without too much greasiness.
- → Is it okay to prep early?
Of course! Put it together a day ahead, then bake before serving.
- → Why uncover it while baking?
Helps the cheese bubble and brown, plus thickens the sauce a little.