Description
Hearty Mexican beef and rice casserole brings zesty southwestern comfort straight to dinner tables with bold spices and cheesy goodness. Packed with ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, this one-pan meal promises satisfying flavors you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup long grain rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 14 ounces (396 grams) fire roasted diced tomatoes
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 bunch spinach (ends trimmed and roughly chopped)
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
Cheese:
- 2 cups Mexican 4 cheese blend (shredded)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a greased casserole dish.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully draining excess fat.
- Incorporate taco seasoning thoroughly into the beef, ensuring even distribution.
- Add spinach, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa to the beef mixture, simmering until spinach wilts and ingredients meld.
- In a mixing bowl, combine beef mixture with uncooked rice, chicken broth, and a portion of shredded cheese, stirring until well integrated.
- Pour the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese across the top, and return to oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling layer.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves just before serving to enhance visual appeal and add a vibrant flavor accent.
Notes
- Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a crispy, not soggy casserole texture.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, healthier alternative protein options.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the dish.
- Add a layer of sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat and flavor complexity if you enjoy spicier meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 446 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg