Introduction
Cheesy Mexican Beef is a bold, flavorful dish that blends seasoned ground beef with spices, peppers, tomatoes, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that can be enjoyed in many ways—tucked into tortillas, served over rice, layered in a casserole, or even scooped up with tortilla chips. With its rich, cheesy goodness and zesty Mexican-inspired flavors, it’s a true family favorite that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade mix)
½ cup beef broth or water
1 cup corn kernels (optional, canned or frozen)
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Tortillas, rice, or chips (for serving)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
Stir in Rotel, taco seasoning, and beef broth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
Mix in corn and black beans if using.
Reduce heat to low, sprinkle cheese evenly over the beef mixture, cover, and let cheese melt.
Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with tortillas, rice, or chips.
Description
Cheesy Mexican Beef is rich, zesty, and comforting, with layers of flavor from the spiced beef, tangy tomatoes, and melty cheese. The beef is tender and juicy, while the melted cheese creates a creamy, indulgent finish. It’s a hearty dish that can be enjoyed on its own or turned into tacos, burritos, nachos, or a casserole.
Tips
Drain beef well to prevent excess grease.
Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts smoother than pre-shredded.
For extra heat, add jalapeños, hot Rotel, or chili powder.
Double the recipe for meal prep—it reheats well.
Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for balance.
Variations
Casserole style: Layer beef mixture in a baking dish with tortillas and cheese, bake until bubbly.
Queso beef: Stir in ½ cup queso dip instead of shredded cheese for extra creaminess.
Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
Tex-Mex pasta: Mix with cooked pasta and top with cheese for a cheesy Mexican pasta bake.
Breakfast version: Add scrambled eggs and serve in breakfast burritos.
Correction
A common mistake is using too much liquid, which can make the beef mixture soupy. Start with less broth and add only as needed. Another issue is overcooking after adding cheese—melt it gently on low heat so it stays creamy instead of greasy.
Enjoy
Serve your Cheesy Mexican Beef hot, topped with fresh cilantro and your favorite garnishes. It’s perfect with warm tortillas, over fluffy rice, or scooped onto crunchy tortilla chips. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to please any crowd.