Okay, so, I tried making this pinto bean casserole the other day, and let me tell you, it was quite an experience. I’ve always been a fan of hearty, filling meals, especially ones that don’t break the bank. I mean, who doesn’t love a good, budget-friendly dish, right?
Gathering the Ingredients
First things first, I gathered all my ingredients. I already had a few cans of pinto beans in my pantry, which was a good start. Then I made a quick run to the store to grab some ground beef, a couple of onions, some cheese, and a few other things I was missing. I also picked up some corn, tomato paste, and a can of Rotel because I remembered seeing them in a similar recipe online.
Prepping the Ingredients
Once I got home, I started by browning the ground beef in a large skillet. While that was cooking, I chopped up the onions and set them aside. After the beef was cooked, I drained the excess fat and added the onions to the skillet, sautéing them until they were nice and soft. This took longer than I wanted. I don’t like the procedure. So I didn’t add too many things.
Mixing Everything Together
Next, I grabbed a big bowl and dumped in the cooked beef and onions, the pinto beans (drained and rinsed, of course), the corn, tomato paste, and the Rotel. I gave everything a good stir, making sure it was all mixed up real well. Oh, I also added some of my favorite Mexican spices at this point – you know, cumin, chili powder, the works. Spices are necessary.
Baking the Casserole
After that, I poured the mixture into a greased casserole dish and topped it with a generous layer of shredded cheese. I mean, the more cheese, the better, am I right? Then, I popped the whole thing into a preheated oven and baked it for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese was all melted and bubbly.
The Final Result
- The smell coming from the oven was amazing, let me tell you.
- When I finally took it out, I was pretty impressed with how it looked.
- I let it cool for a few minutes before serving it up.
- I paired it with some cilantro lime rice and a simple salad, and it was a hit!
Honestly, this pinto bean casserole is definitely going into my regular meal rotation. It’s easy, it’s cheap, and most importantly, it’s delicious. If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that won’t empty your wallet, give this one a try. You won’t regret it!
