Mexican Beef Bake
Mexican beef bake is a one-dish family dinner that works a bit like loaded nachos with a proper filling underneath. Spiced mince, black beans, sweetcorn and salsa simmer together in one pan, then go under a layer of tortilla chips and mature cheddar for a short blast in the oven. It serves four and takes about 55 minutes, with most of the work done in a single frying pan.
- Total
- 55 min
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per serving
- 710kcal
How long to cook mexican beef bake
The whole dish takes about 55 minutes: 15 minutes of preparation, 20 minutes making the filling on the hob, 15 minutes in the oven and a 5-minute stand. Most of the time is hands-off simmering and baking. Everything is cooked in one frying pan, which keeps the washing-up down.
This is not a traditional Mexican dish. It is a British family bake built on Tex-Mex flavours, so it works with supermarket taco seasoning, a jar of salsa and tortilla chips from the crisp aisle.
Mature cheddar melts well, and a smoked version adds depth. If you prefer, Monterey Jack, Red Leicester or a mixed grated pizza cheese will do the same job.
How to make mexican beef bake
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Soften the vegetables Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan), gas 6. Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan over a medium heat and fry the onion and red pepper for about , until soft.
- Brown the mince Add the beef mince and break it up with a wooden spoon. Fry for about , until there is no pink left and the meat is browned. Spoon off any excess fat.
- Build the filling Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, sweetcorn and salsa. Simmer gently for about , stirring now and then, until the mixture is thick and no longer watery.
- Assemble Tip the filling into the baking dish and level it out. Cover with the tortilla chips, pressing them down lightly, then scatter the cheese evenly over the top so that all the chips are covered.
- Bake Bake for , until the cheese is melted and bubbling, the chips are golden at the edges and the filling is steaming hot all the way through. Leave to stand for before serving.
What to serve with the bake
A spoonful of soured cream cools the spices, and a crisp green salad with lime juice cuts through the richness. Guacamole and a handful of coriander leaves are other good additions.
The same spiced mince and beans also work as a filling for burritos with beef or mexican tacos later in the week.
Common problems and fixes for Mexican Beef Bake
- The chips go soggy.
- A wet filling steams them from underneath. Simmer the mixture until thick in step 3, add the chips only just before baking, and serve straight from the oven.
- The bake is watery in the dish.
- Drain and rinse the beans and drain the sweetcorn well, and let the filling reduce until a spoon drawn across the pan leaves a clear trail.
- The edges of the chips are catching.
- Make sure the cheese covers every chip, and if the top is browning before the 15 minutes are up, lay a piece of foil loosely over the dish.
Frequently asked questions about Mexican Beef Bake
How long do you cook mexican beef bake for?
Bake it for 15 minutes at 200°C (180°C fan), gas 6, once the filling is made. Allow about 55 minutes in total, including the filling and the 5 minutes of standing time.
Can you use turkey or chicken mince instead of beef?
Yes, use the same weight and fry it until there is no pink and it is cooked through before adding the other ingredients. Turkey mince is leaner, so add an extra teaspoon of oil.
How do you store and reheat leftovers?
Cool the bake quickly and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days, then reheat it at 180°C (160°C fan), gas 4, for 15–20 minutes until steaming hot. You can also freeze the filling without the chips for up to 3 months, defrost it in the fridge overnight, and bake it with fresh chips and cheese for 25 minutes.
Can you make it less spicy?
Yes. Choose a mild taco seasoning and mild salsa. For more heat, add a sliced fresh chilli or a pinch of chilli flakes to the onions in step 1.
How did you like the recipe?
4.9 / 5 · 43 ratings
