Print

Cheesy Taco Rice Casserole

cheesy taco rice casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

This Cheesy Taco Rice Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, black beans, corn, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 3 cups cooked white rice (day-old preferred)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (fire-roasted optional)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
  • Sour cream (for serving, optional)
  • Salsa (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and onions are soft.
  4. Sprinkle in taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Add drained diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Cook for 3-5 minutes to let flavors meld. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of water or tomato juice.
  5. Transfer the beef mixture to a medium mixing bowl. Add cooked rice and mix until fully combined.
  6. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread half the rice mixture in the bottom. Sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese. Add the remaining rice mixture and top with cheddar cheese. (Optional: drizzle 1/4 cup sour cream between layers for extra creaminess.)
  7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden at the edges. If you prefer a softer cheese topping, cover with foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncover for browning.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired. Serve with sour cream and salsa.

Notes

For best results, use day-old rice to prevent mushiness. Layering cheese between the rice mixture creates pockets of melty goodness. Let the casserole rest before slicing for cleaner servings. Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or double the beans and add veggies for a vegetarian option. For extra spice, use pepper jack cheese or add chipotle peppers.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy taco rice casserole, taco casserole, weeknight dinner, Tex-Mex casserole, ground beef casserole, easy casserole, comfort food, family dinner, rice casserole, Mexican-inspired

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/cheesy-taco-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-weeknight-dinner-idea/