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 vividly remember serving this Tex-Mex beef & rice casserole to my friends for a game night. Everyone loved how cheesy and satisfying it was, and we ended up scraping the dish clean before halftime!
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: 1 lb (450 g)
- Black beans: 1 can (15 oz/425 g), drained and rinsed
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup (200 g), uncooked
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: 1 can (14 oz/400 g), undrained
- Beef broth: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Tomato sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups (170 g), divided
- Chili powder: 2 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (or to taste)
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Chopped, for garnish
- Sliced jalapeños (optional): For garnish
- Sour cream (optional): For garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish.
- Brown the beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Season:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add rice and liquids:
- Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well.
- Combine cheese and beans:
- Fold in black beans and 1 cup (115 g) of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Bake covered:
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Top and finish baking:
- 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 garnish:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, and sour cream as desired.
Save Growing up, casseroles like this were a family weeknight favorite — quick to prepare and perfect for sharing around the dinner table after a busy day.
Customization Ideas
Swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter twist, or add corn kernels and green onions for more flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or crunchy tortilla chips for scooping up every cheesy bite.
Nutrition Information
Each serving has about 420 calories, 17 g fat, 41 g carbohydrates, and 26 g protein to keep you full and energized.
Save This casserole is sure to become a go-to comfort food in your kitchen — simple to make, always satisfying, and loaded with bold Tex-Mex flavors.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- → What type of cheese works best in this dish?
Cheddar cheese melts well and adds richness, but Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese blends are great options for extra flavor.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
When using certified gluten-free broth and tomato sauce, the dish can be enjoyed gluten-free.
- → Can I add vegetables for more texture?
Corn kernels or chopped green onions are excellent additions to enhance texture and flavor.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.