Save A hearty, comforting casserole packed with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, beans, and melty cheese, all baked in a zesty Tex-Mex tomato sauce.
I often make this Tex-Mex beef and rice casserole when I want a satisfying dinner that everyone enjoys in my family.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef, 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans drained and rinsed
- Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion diced, 1 medium red bell pepper diced, 2 cloves garlic minced
- Grains: 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice uncooked
- Sauces & Liquids: 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies undrained, 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth, 1/2 cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
- Dairy: 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese divided
- Spices & Seasonings: 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste), 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Garnishes (optional): Fresh cilantro chopped, Sliced jalapeños, Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish.
- Cook Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add Spices:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Rice:
- Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well.
- Fold in Beans and Cheese:
- Fold in black beans and 1 cup (115 g) of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer Mixture:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered:
- Remove foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (55 g) cheddar over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and rice is tender.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, and sour cream as desired.
Save This casserole is a family favorite that brings everyone together around the dinner table, especially on chilly weeknights.
Notes
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Use Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor. Add corn kernels or chopped green onions for more texture. Serve with tortilla chips or a crisp green salad.
Required Tools
Large skillet, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish, mixing spoon, aluminum foil, chefs knife and cutting board.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, optional sour cream). Gluten-free if using certified gluten-free broth and tomato sauce. Always check ingredient labels if you have food allergies.
Save This Tex-Mex casserole is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I swap ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter alternative without compromising flavor.
- → How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free beef broth and tomato sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
- → Which cheeses work well in this dish besides cheddar?
Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend are excellent options to enhance flavor and meltability.
- → Can I add vegetables for more texture?
Adding corn kernels or chopped green onions provides extra texture and color.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Serve this dish with tortilla chips or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- → How do I ensure the rice cooks perfectly?
Cover the casserole tightly during the initial baking to trap steam, then remove foil to melt the cheese and finish baking.