Description
Hearty Mexican beef and rice casserole delivers comforting layers of spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and fluffy rice. Zesty flavors meld together, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 large bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps taco seasoning
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- 2 tbsps fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- sour cream (optional)
- lime wedges (optional)
- avocado or guacamole (optional)
- crushed tortilla chips (optional)
- hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics in olive oil over medium heat until translucent, creating a fragrant base for the ground beef.
- Brown the ground beef thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains, and carefully drain any excess fat to maintain a lean texture.
- Awaken the spices by stirring in taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, allowing them to bloom and release their intense flavors for 2 minutes.
- Incorporate tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and optional jalapeños into the meat mixture, creating a robust and colorful filling.
- Add uncooked rice directly to the skillet, ensuring each grain is coated with the seasoned meat and vegetable mixture.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, gently stirring to distribute ingredients evenly, then bring to a rolling boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes at low heat, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become tender while flavors meld together.
- Preheat oven to 375F (190C) while the rice-beef mixture completes cooking.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and generously sprinkle cheddar cheese across the top.
- Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and optional toppings like sour cream, green onions, or sliced avocado for added freshness and texture.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option.
- Toast spices thoroughly to enhance their depth and release maximum flavor before adding other ingredients.
- Rinse black beans to lower sodium content and improve overall dish digestibility.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for increased nutritional value and added fiber.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutrient content and create more volume.
- Control spice level by adjusting jalapeño quantity or removing seeds for milder taste.
- Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg