Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Spicy Beef and Bean Bake?
It is a comfort food dish featuring taco-seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cream of mushroom soup, and a generous layer of melted cheese.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the dish need to bake?
The bake should remain in the oven for about 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
How much ground beef is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of ground beef.
What kind of cheese should I use?
A mix of cheddar and colby jack is recommended, with queso fresco added for the topping.
Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Yes, you can use one 1 1/4 ounce envelope of store-bought taco seasoning or a homemade version.
How many garlic cloves are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 minced garlic cloves.
Is the cream of mushroom soup used as a base?
The cream of mushroom soup is mixed directly into the browned beef mixture along with the salsa.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 24 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of the recipe?
The dish contains 25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving has 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I add jalapeños to this bake?
Yes, sliced jalapeños can be added to taste before the final layer of cheese for extra spice.
What serves as the bottom layer of the dish?
The refried beans are spread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish as the first layer.
How much salsa is required in total?
You will need 1/3 cup for the beef mixture and an additional 1/2 to 3/4 cup to pour over the beans.
Are black olives included in the recipe?
Yes, sliced black olives are an optional ingredient that can be added for extra flavor.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the beef and garlic.
What are some recommended serving suggestions?
You can serve the bake with crunchy tortilla chips or wrap it in warm tortillas.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Spray the dish with vegetable oil spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I use homemade refried beans?
Yes, you can use either a 32-ounce can of store-bought refried beans or homemade beans.
When should I add the cheese?
Half of the cheese is layered over the beans and salsa, and the other half is sprinkled on top of the beef and toppings.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
The spice level can be customized based on your choice of salsa and the addition of jalapeños.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients listed in this recipe.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include casserole, beef, bean, spicy, cheesy, taco, comfort food, oven-baked, easy dinner, and family meal.
Is this recipe suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a family meal and an easy dinner option.
Can I use any kind of salsa?
Yes, you can use your favorite salsa to customize the flavor and heat of the dish.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
The recipe relies on the taco seasoning and salsa for flavor, so additional salt and pepper are not explicitly listed.
Should the beef be fully cooked before baking?
Yes, the ground beef should be fully browned in a skillet before it is layered in the baking dish.
What is the final step before serving?
Let the bake cool slightly after removing it from the oven to allow it to set before serving.