Tex-Mex Style Minced Beef is a delicious and hearty dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine to your table. This recipe combines savory minced beef with rich tomato sauce, smoky spices, and a variety of colorful vegetables, all topped off with melted cheese. It’s a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, making it perfect for family meals, weeknight dinners, or even casual gatherings with friends. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it according to your tastes.

Full Recipe:

• 1 tbsp oil

• 500 g (1.1 lb) minced beef (10-15% fat)

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 onion, peeled and finely diced

• 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and finely diced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, deseeded and finely diced

• 3 cloves minced garlic, peeled and minced

• 3 tbsp fajita seasoning mix

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 beef stock cube, crumbled

• 2 tbsp hot pepper sauce (e.g., Franks hot sauce)

• 2 tbsp tomato puree (or paste)

• 400 g (14 oz) jar passata

• 400 g (14 oz) tin black beans, drained

• 1 tsp light brown sugar

• 120 ml (1/2 cup) water

• 150 g (1 1/2 packed cups) grated mixed cheese (cheddar and red Leicester)

• To serve: boiled rice, finely chopped fresh coriander (cilantro), sliced jalapeños, chopped avocado, and chopped baby tomatoes

Directions

• Heat oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add minced beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.

  • Break up large pieces while cooking.

• Add finely diced onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and minced garlic.

• Fry for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.

• Stir in fajita seasoning, smoked paprika, beef stock cube, hot pepper sauce, and tomato puree.

• Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to blend flavors.

• Pour in passata, black beans, sugar, and water.

• Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.

• Reduce heat and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.

• Sprinkle grated cheese over the mixture.

• Cover with a lid (or foil) and cook for 2 more minutes to melt the cheese.

• Serve over boiled rice.

• Garnish with chopped fresh coriander, sliced jalapeños, chopped avocado, and baby tomatoes.

Nutrients

• Calories: 547 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 41g

• Protein: 41g

• Fat: 26g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 10g

• Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 106mg

• Sodium: 1432mg

• Fiber: 13g

• Sugar: 13g

Why Tex-Mex Style Minced Beef Is So Popular

Tex-Mex cuisine is known for its bold flavors and satisfying combinations of ingredients. Tex-Mex Style Minced Beef is no exception. The dish is packed with layers of flavor, from the earthy richness of the beef to the subtle smokiness of paprika and the zesty heat from hot sauce. What makes this recipe so popular is its balance of flavors and textures. The beef provides a hearty base, while the peppers and beans add a nice crunch and depth to the dish. The cheese melts perfectly over the mixture, bringing everything together into a creamy, comforting meal.

Another key aspect of the dish’s popularity is its versatility. It can be served over rice, used as a filling for tacos, or spooned onto nachos. The dish also allows for easy customization depending on what you have in your kitchen or your family’s preferences. You can adjust the level of heat, add more veggies, or top it with a variety of fresh garnishes like avocado, cilantro, or jalapeños.

The Versatility of Tex-Mex Style Minced Beef

One of the main reasons Tex-Mex Style Minced Beef is a go-to recipe for so many people is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it as a hearty dinner, or even repurpose the leftovers in different ways throughout the week. Serve it over a bed of rice for a comforting main course, or load it up in taco shells for a fun and flavorful taco night. It’s also perfect for nachos—simply spoon the minced beef mixture over tortilla chips, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until everything is bubbly and golden.

If you’re looking to switch things up, this recipe also works wonderfully as a topping for baked potatoes or in a burrito. The leftovers can be used to create a delicious Tex-Mex breakfast burrito, wrapped in a tortilla with scrambled eggs and extra cheese. The possibilities are endless, and the dish can easily be adapted for various meal types or occasions.

How to Customize Tex-Mex Style Minced Beef

One of the best things about Tex-Mex Style Minced Beef is how easy it is to customize to your liking. Whether you prefer a milder flavor or enjoy more heat, there’s room to adjust the ingredients to match your taste preferences. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce or omit the hot sauce, or swap it for a mild salsa. On the other hand, if you love a spicy kick, feel free to add extra hot sauce or some finely chopped fresh chili peppers for a more intense heat.

For those looking to make the dish more veggie-forward, you can increase the number of peppers and even add ingredients like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn. These vegetables will not only add more texture and flavor to the dish but also increase its nutritional value. You could even swap the minced beef for a vegetarian option, such as plant-based mince or lentils, for a meatless version that still provides plenty of protein and flavor.

Additionally, the type of cheese you use can make a significant difference in the overall flavor. While the recipe calls for a mixture of cheddar and red Leicester, feel free to experiment with different varieties. A sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or even pepper jack cheese would give the dish a unique twist and elevate the flavor profile.

Tips for Cooking Tex-Mex Style Minced Beef

To make sure your Tex-Mex Style Minced Beef turns out perfectly every time, there are a few tips that can help improve the texture and flavor. First, choose a minced beef that has a bit of fat content—around 10-15%. The fat adds flavor and richness, making the dish more indulgent and satisfying. Leaner beef can be used, but you may need to add a little extra oil to compensate for the lack of fat.

When cooking the beef, be sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. This helps the beef brown evenly and ensures that it absorbs all the seasonings. Don’t rush the cooking process—let the beef get nicely browned before adding the vegetables and seasonings, as this step will deepen the flavor of the meat.

Another tip is to let the beef mixture simmer for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the beans and vegetables are fully cooked through. If you like a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer for a little longer, or if you prefer a looser consistency, simply add a splash of water or stock.

Serving Tex-Mex Style Minced Beef

Tex-Mex Style Minced Beef can be served in many different ways, making it a great option for different occasions. For a casual meal, serve it over a bed of boiled rice and top it with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, chopped avocado, and diced tomatoes for a burst of color and freshness. The coolness of the avocado and the heat from the jalapeños create a delicious contrast that enhances the flavors of the dish.

If you’re hosting a gathering, consider turning the minced beef into a taco bar. Offer soft flour tortillas, crispy taco shells, and various toppings such as lettuce, cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Your guests can build their own tacos, making for a fun and interactive dining experience. For a more indulgent treat, serve the minced beef over nachos. Layer tortilla chips with the beef mixture, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until golden. Top with sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

For a healthier option, try serving the Tex-Mex Style Minced Beef with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad. The richness of the beef pairs beautifully with the freshness of greens, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Making Tex-Mex Style Minced Beef Ahead of Time

This recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time for busy days. After preparing the minced beef mixture, allow it to cool and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture in a pan or microwave. You can also freeze the beef for later use—just make sure to leave out the cheese if you plan on freezing it. When ready to serve, thaw the mixture overnight in the refrigerator, reheat, and then add the cheese to melt before serving.

Conclusion

Tex-Mex Style Minced Beef is a flavorful, satisfying, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it over rice, in tacos, or on nachos, the rich combination of beef, peppers, beans, and melted cheese is sure to please everyone at the table. With its customizable ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is a great option for any occasion, from family dinners to casual parties. So next time you’re craving something comforting and flavorful, give this Tex-Mex Style Minced Beef a try—you won’t be disappointed!