Description
Hearty Mexican beef and rice casserole delivers robust southwestern flavors with ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. Rich spices and simple ingredients create a comforting meal you’ll crave for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins and Base:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Cheese:
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced jalapenos
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Sauté chopped onions and bell peppers in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and tender.
- Introduce ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until meat browns completely and releases its juices.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture, then season with taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper for robust flavor.
- Incorporate uncooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Allow the mixture to reach a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender.
- Transfer the prepared mixture into a greased casserole dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses generously across the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, ensuring cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for added brightness and heat. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
Notes
- Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve perfectly fluffy texture.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier or vegetarian alternative.
- Use low-sodium taco seasoning and broth to control salt content and make dish more diet-friendly.
- For extra heat, add diced fresh jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce directly into the mixture before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 408 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg