Description
Taco Rice Casserole is a flavorful one-dish meal combining seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and melted cheese baked to perfection. This easy, budget-friendly recipe makes a satisfying and hearty dinner, perfect for a family meal with customizable toppings like avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef (can substitute ground chicken or turkey)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (can substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
Spices
- 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Rice and Liquids
- 1 ¼ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 ounce can chopped green chilies
- 3 cups beef broth (can substitute chicken broth)
Cheese and Toppings
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (can substitute cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sour cream, avocado or guacamole, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook beef and onion: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish lean.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds while stirring constantly to release its aroma. Then sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute until the spices become fragrant.
- Combine rice and liquids: Mix in the uncooked rice, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, chopped green chilies, and beef broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Transfer to baking dish and bake: Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the foil, fluff the rice gently with a fork, then sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings such as shredded lettuce, sour cream, avocado or guacamole, and chopped fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. Consume within 4 days for best freshness and safety.
Notes
- This Taco Rice Casserole is a simple, delicious, and budget-friendly dish that combines hearty ground beef, seasoned rice, and melted cheese in one convenient bake.
- It makes an excellent make-ahead meal perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd.
- Customize your toppings with fresh avocado, sour cream, shredded lettuce, or cilantro to suit your taste.
- For a milder dish, reduce the chili powder or omit the green chilies.
- Ground chicken or turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 401 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 875 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 74 mg
