Description
This hearty Mexican Rice Casserole combines ground beef or turkey with vegetables, beans, corn, and flavorful seasonings baked together with rice and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it brings together classic Mexican flavors in an easy, one-dish meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Grains and Legumes
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
Tomato and Broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Seasonings and Toppings
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream and sliced jalapeños (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, and taco seasoning. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the rice and vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil, stir the casserole gently, and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return it to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the rice is fully cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm with optional sour cream and sliced jalapeños on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after cooking meat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Covering the dish during the first part of baking helps the rice cook evenly and retain moisture.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more jalapeños or using mild taco seasoning.
