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Cheesy Taco Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Bake

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This easy, family-friendly casserole combines taco-seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, melty cheese, and Tex-Mex flavors in a comforting, oven-baked dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you crave a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions or fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving, optional)
  • Fresh diced tomatoes or salsa (for serving, optional)
  • Sliced jalapeños (for serving, optional)
  • Avocado or guacamole (for serving, optional)
  • Crushed tortilla chips (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or oil.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat, until beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, taco seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn. Stir well. Fold in cooked rice and pour in broth. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until flavors meld and rice absorbs some liquid.
  5. Spread the beef and rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Press down gently to level.
  6. Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges. Tent with foil halfway through if you prefer a softer cheese top.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with green onions or cilantro.
  9. Serve hot with optional toppings such as sour cream, salsa, avocado, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melting. Customize with your favorite veggies or swap proteins as desired. Make ahead up to 24 hours and refrigerate before baking. For a crispy cheese top, broil for 2 minutes at the end. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

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

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