Easy Skillet Beef Tex Mex Casserole

If you love Mexican food, you’re gonna want to grab a plate and a fork and dig into this Easy Skillet Beef Tex Mex Casserole.

Lean ground beef is browned and then simmered with rice, enchilada sauce, taco seasoning and a little water. Mix in some light cream cheese, black beans, sweet corn, and diced green chilis. Top with shredded Mexican cheese and broil until the cheese is ooey gooey bubbly and slightly browned. BOOM! You’ve got yourself a darn good one skillet meal that the entire family will love!

There’s hardly ever a time that I’ll turn down any Mexican food or Mexican inspired dish. In fact, I Mexican food often. Just ask some of the gals I work with. When we order takeout for lunch, 90% of the time my vote goes to Mexican food.

My cravings were stronger than ever during my trip to Vegas. However, I was unable to satisfy them. Boo. Mediocre reviews of the Mexican restaurants within the vicinity of our hotel turned us away. No way were we going to pay an arm and a leg for mediocre food.

One of the first meals I made after returning home was this Easy Skillet Beef Tex Mex Casserole. Let me tell you how easy it is.  The food is ready to devour in under an hour and everything is cooked in one skillet. One skillet meals always steal my heart. Cutting down on the number of dishes to clean puts a big ole smile on this gal’s face. I bet it puts one on your face too. ♥︎

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Why This Skillet Beef Tex Mex Casserole Recipe Works

One-skillet dinners are a lifesaver for busy weeknights, and this recipe is a perfect example of why they are so popular. Everything cooks together in one pan, which means you get a delicious, layered meal with incredibly easy cleanup. Who doesn’t love that?

The core of this Skillet Beef Tex Mex Casserole is built on classic, beloved flavors. You have seasoned ground beef, savory enchilada sauce, hearty rice, and the satisfying combination of black beans and corn. It’s a complete meal that hits all the right comfort food notes, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

But what truly elevates my version is the addition of cream cheese. This isn’t just a topping, it’s a secret ingredient stirred directly into the casserole base. As it melts, it creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats every single grain of rice and piece of beef. It adds a subtle tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef, providing a beautiful balance you won’t find in other recipes.

This simple twist transforms the texture from a standard casserole to something much more luxurious. The result is a dish that feels special and thoughtfully prepared, even though it comes together in under an hour. It’s the perfect blend of easy, comforting, and delicious.

Ingredients for Skillet Beef Tex Mex Casserole

The beauty of this recipe is its reliance on simple, easy-to-find pantry staples. You likely have most of these ingredients on hand right now. Here is exactly what you will need to create this delicious one-pan meal.

The real star here, my special little secret, is the light cream cheese. It’s what gives the casserole its signature creamy texture and makes it stand out from the rest. Make sure it’s softened so it melts smoothly and evenly into the dish.

• 1 lb lean ground beef: I prefer using 90/10 or 93/7 lean ground beef. This way, you don’t need to drain off excess grease, and all that wonderful flavor stays right in the skillet.
• 1 packet taco seasoning: A standard packet works perfectly. Feel free to use mild, regular, or hot depending on your family’s preference for spice.
• 1 10oz can enchilada sauce: Red enchilada sauce provides the perfect savory, slightly spicy base for our casserole.
• 1 C water: This is essential for cooking the rice properly within the sauce.
• 3/4 C white rice, rinsed until water runs clean: Rinsing the rice is a crucial step. It removes the excess surface starch, which prevents the rice from getting gummy and helps it cook up into fluffy, distinct grains.
• 2 oz light cream cheese, softened: This is the twist! Let it sit out on the counter for about 30 minutes before you start cooking so it incorporates seamlessly.
• 1 4oz can diced green chilis: These add a wonderful, mild tangy heat without being overwhelmingly spicy.
• 1 C canned black beans, drained and rinsed: Rinsing canned beans removes the excess sodium and starchy liquid from the can.
• 1/2 C frozen sweet corn: No need to thaw it first, you can add it directly from the freezer.
• 1 C shredded Mexican blend cheese: For the best, gooiest melt, I always recommend shredding your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated in starches that can prevent them from melting as smoothly.
• Cilantro for garnish: A little fresh cilantro at the end adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the casserole.
• 10 inch oven-safe skillet: This is a must-have piece of equipment, as the dish goes from the stovetop directly under the broiler.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Skillet Beef Tex Mex Casserole

This recipe is designed to be straightforward and fuss-free. By following these simple steps, you will have a delicious and satisfying dinner on the table in no time. The most important tool here is a good, heavy-bottomed, oven-safe skillet, like a cast iron pan.

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Build the Base

Place your 10-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Because we are using lean beef, there is no need to drain it, we want to keep all that savory flavor. Once browned, sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the beef and stir well to coat every piece.

Step 2: Simmer the Rice

Pour the enchilada sauce and the water into the skillet with the seasoned beef. Stir everything together, then add your rinsed white rice. Give it another good mix to make sure the rice is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the rice to be tender and most of the liquid to be absorbed. It’s normal for a little rice to stick to the bottom, just gently scrape it up with your spoon.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Goodness and Veggies

Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring it in until it’s completely melted and has created a creamy, luscious sauce. Next, gently fold in the drained and rinsed black beans, the frozen corn, and the can of diced green chilis. Mix until everything is evenly distributed throughout the casserole.

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Broil

Preheat your oven’s broiler. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the skillet on a middle rack in the oven and broil for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep a very close eye on it, as broilers work quickly. You are looking for the cheese to be perfectly melted, bubbly, and just starting to get some lovely golden-brown spots. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro, if you like.

How To Serve Skillet Beef Tex Mex Casserole

Once that bubbly, cheesy skillet comes out of the oven, the serving possibilities are as fun as the dish itself. You can certainly serve it straight from the pan for a rustic, family-style meal, which is my favorite way to do it on a busy weeknight. Just set the skillet on a trivet in the middle of the table and let everyone dig in.

For a more personalized touch, especially if you have guests or picky eaters, setting up a small toppings bar is a fantastic idea. It allows everyone to customize their own plate. Here are a few of my go-to toppings that complement this Skillet Beef Tex Mex Casserole beautifully:

• Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt: A cool, creamy dollop on top is a classic for a reason. It balances the warmth and spice of the dish perfectly.
• Fresh Avocado or Guacamole: Sliced avocado or a scoop of homemade guacamole adds another layer of creaminess and fresh flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes or Pico de Gallo: The freshness of tomatoes adds a bright, acidic note that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who like an extra kick of heat, fresh or pickled jalapeño slices are a must.
• Crushed Tortilla Chips: Sprinkling some crushed chips on top right before serving adds a delightful crunch and texture contrast.

As for side dishes, this casserole is quite a complete meal on its own. However, a simple green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette or a side of Southern-style cornbread would be wonderful accompaniments to round out the meal.

How To Store & Reuse Skillet Beef Tex Mex Casserole Leftovers

One of the best things about a good casserole is that the leftovers are often just as delicious, if not more so, as the flavors have had more time to meld together. Storing and reheating this dish is incredibly simple, and there are even some creative ways to give the leftovers a second life.

To store your leftovers, first allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Then, you can either transfer it to an airtight container or simply cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When you are ready to enjoy it again, here are a few easy ways to reheat it:

• Microwave: For a single serving, the microwave is the quickest option. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it loosely, and heat for 60 to 90 seconds, or until warmed through.
• Oven: If you’re reheating a larger amount, the oven is your best bet. Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to prevent drying out, and bake at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
• Skillet: You can also reheat it on the stovetop. Add the leftovers to a skillet with a splash of water or enchilada sauce to add some moisture back, and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

If you want to get creative, the leftovers from this Skillet Beef Tex Mex Casserole make a fantastic filling for burritos or quesadillas. You can also spoon it over nachos or use it as a hearty topping for a baked potato. It’s a versatile dish that keeps on giving!

Substitutions & Variations For Skillet Beef Tex Mex Casserole

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to make it your own based on what you have in your pantry or your family’s preferences. It’s a great base for experimentation. A few simple swaps can change the flavor profile or cater to different dietary needs without sacrificing the comforting nature of the dish.

Here are some of my favorite and most frequently tested substitutions and variations for this Skillet Beef Tex Mex Casserole. Just remember that changing ingredients, especially the rice or protein, might require slight adjustments to the cooking time.

• Protein Swaps: If you’re not in the mood for beef, lean ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent substitutes. They work perfectly with the Tex-Mex flavors. For a vegetarian option, you can use a plant-based ground crumble or simply double the amount of beans.
• Grain Alternatives: While white rice is classic, brown rice can be used for added fiber. You will need to increase the water by about 1/4 cup and extend the simmering time by 15 to 20 minutes. Quinoa also works well, but it cooks much faster, so check it after about 15 minutes.
• Vary the Veggies: Feel free to bulk up the casserole with more vegetables. Sautéing a diced onion and a chopped bell pepper with the ground beef at the beginning is a fantastic way to add extra flavor and nutrients.
• Adjust the Spice Level: You have full control over the heat. To make it spicier, use a hot enchilada sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning, or stir in some chopped fresh jalapeños with the green chilis. For a milder version, be sure to use mild enchilada sauce and taco seasoning.
• Bean Varieties: If you don’t have black beans, pinto beans or even kidney beans are a great alternative in this casserole.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match to find your perfect combination. Cooking is all about making a recipe work for you, and this skillet casserole is the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.

Easy Skillet Beef Tex Mex Casserole

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 10oz can enchilada sauce
• 1 C water
• 3/4 C white rice, rinsed until water runs clean
• 2 oz light cream cheese, softened
• 1 4oz can diced green chilis
• 1 C canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 C frozen sweet corn
• 1 C shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Cilantro for garnish
• 10 inch oven-safe skillet

Instructions

1. In a 10 inch oven-safe skillet, cook the ground been over medium heat until browned (do not drain if you are using lean beef). Add the taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, water and rice. Mix well. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is tender. Some of the rice may stick to the bottom of your skillet. Just scrape it off the bottom with a spoon.
2. Once the rice is done cooking, stir in the cream cheese. Add the corn, black beans and diced chilis. Mix well. Top with the shredded cheese.
3. Broil for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 375 Total Fat: 15g Sodium: 922mg Carbohydrates: 35g Sugar: 3g Protein: 25g

5 FAQs About Skillet Beef Tex Mex Casserole

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this Skillet Beef Tex Mex Casserole recipe.

Can I prepare this Skillet Beef Tex Mex Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole is a fantastic candidate for meal prep, which makes it even better for those extra busy weeknights. You have a couple of options. The best method is to prepare the casserole completely through Step 3, right before you would top it with cheese and broil. Cook the beef, simmer the rice, and stir in the cream cheese and veggies. Once it’s all mixed together, let it cool completely.

You can then transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply transfer the casserole mixture back to your oven-safe skillet, reheat it gently on the stovetop until warm, then top with cheese and broil as directed. This ensures you get that fresh-from-the-oven, bubbly cheese topping right before serving.

What is the best skillet to use for this beef Tex Mex casserole recipe?

The ideal skillet for this recipe is a 10-inch or 12-inch oven-safe model. My personal favorite is a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. Cast iron heats evenly and retains that heat beautifully, which helps the rice cook consistently without hot spots. It also creates a wonderful crust on the bottom. Most importantly, it can go directly from the stovetop into the oven to go under the broiler, which is essential for melting the cheese on top.

If you don’t have cast iron, any other type of oven-safe skillet will work just as well. Stainless steel or hard-anodized aluminum skillets with oven-safe handles are great choices. Just be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for the maximum oven temperature your pan can handle. The key is to avoid any skillets with plastic or rubber handles that could melt in the oven.

Why is my rice either crunchy or mushy in the casserole?

Getting the rice texture just right is the key to a perfect skillet casserole. If your rice turns out crunchy, it’s usually due to one of two things: not enough liquid or not enough simmering time. Make sure you measure the water and enchilada sauce accurately. It’s also crucial to keep the skillet covered with a tight-fitting lid during the simmering process to trap steam, which helps cook the rice. If it still seems crunchy after 30 minutes, add a couple of tablespoons of water, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes.

On the other hand, mushy rice is typically a result of too much liquid or overcooking. Ensure your heat is on a low simmer, not a rolling boil, as cooking it too aggressively can break down the rice. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. The rice should be tender but still have a slight bite. Remember that it will continue to absorb a little more liquid as it rests, so it’s better to be slightly al dente than overcooked.

How can I make this Skillet Beef Tex Mex Casserole gluten-free?

Making this recipe gluten-free is incredibly simple, as most of the core ingredients are naturally gluten-free. The only two ingredients you need to check are the taco seasoning packet and the can of enchilada sauce. While many brands are gluten-free, some use flour or other wheat-based thickeners, so it is very important to read the labels carefully.

Look for packages that are explicitly labeled “gluten-free” to be safe. You can also easily make your own taco seasoning at home with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to have complete control over the ingredients. All other components, like the beef, rice, beans, corn, and cheese, are naturally free of gluten.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning when I broil the casserole?

The broiler can be intimidating because it works so fast, but a few simple tricks will ensure you get perfectly melted, golden-brown cheese every time without any burning. First, make sure your oven rack is in the middle position, not at the very top. This puts some distance between the cheese and the intense heat of the broiler, giving it time to melt before it scorches.

Second, and most importantly, do not walk away from the oven. A broiler can take cheese from bubbly to burnt in a matter of seconds. Stay right there and watch it closely through the oven door. You are looking for the cheese to be fully melted and just beginning to bubble and develop some light brown spots. This usually only takes 3 to 5 minutes. As soon as it looks perfect, pull it out immediately.

Try These Recipes Next

If you loved the ease and flavor of this one-pan dinner, I have a few other skillet recipes I think you’ll enjoy just as much.

• Low Carb Sour Cream Beef Bake: This cheesy, beefy bake is proof that comfort food doesn’t need a carb crash to hit the spot.
• Quick & Easy Cheesy Taco Casserole: This one leans heavily into those classic taco flavors with a wonderfully cheesy finish.
• Easy Skillet Tamale Pie: A true Southern comfort dish with a savory filling topped with a fluffy cornbread crust, all made in one skillet.