Pin This hearty Beef Taco Rice Casserole has been my family's go-to dinner solution for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike. The combination of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, beans, and melty cheese creates a comforting Tex-Mex meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
I first created this casserole when hosting an impromptu neighborhood gathering during a football game. The dish disappeared so quickly that I barely got a serving myself. Now it's requested at nearly every potluck and family dinner we host.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: choose 85% lean for the perfect balance of flavor and texture without excess grease
- Onion and bell pepper: these aromatics create a flavorful base and add nutrition to the dish
- Garlic: fresh minced cloves provide an aromatic punch that dried versions simply cannot match
- Long-grain white rice: provides the perfect texture and absorbs all the delicious flavors while cooking
- Black beans: adds protein and fiber making this dish more filling and nutritious
- Corn kernels: brings natural sweetness and a pleasant textural contrast to each bite
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: these provide acidity heat and moisture all in one convenient can
- Beef broth: use low-sodium to control the salt level while adding rich flavor to the rice as it cooks
- Taco seasoning: the flavor backbone of this dish look for varieties without artificial ingredients
- Cheddar cheese: opt for freshly shredded rather than pre-shredded for better melting properties
Instructions
- Brown the beef:
- Cook ground beef over medium heat breaking it into small pieces until no pink remains about 5 minutes. The caramelization that happens during browning creates deep flavor compounds essential to the final dish. Drain excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Sauté the aromatics:
- Add diced onion bell pepper and minced garlic to the same skillet with the drained beef. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes stirring occasionally until vegetables soften and become fragrant. This builds the flavor foundation for your entire casserole.
- Combine all ingredients:
- Stir in the uncooked rice black beans corn diced tomatoes tomato sauce beef broth and all seasonings. Mix thoroughly ensuring the rice is completely submerged in liquid which is crucial for proper cooking. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to kickstart the cooking process.
- Transfer and bake covered:
- Pour the entire mixture into your greased casserole dish spreading it evenly. Cover tightly with foil which traps steam and ensures the rice cooks properly without drying out. Bake at 375°F for exactly 35 minutes.
- Add cheese and finish baking:
- Remove the foil carefully as steam will escape. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly across the top and return to the oven uncovered for 10 minutes. This final bake melts the cheese perfectly while allowing some edges to get slightly crispy.
- Rest before serving:
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This crucial step lets the rice finish absorbing any remaining liquid and makes serving much neater. Garnish with green onions and cilantro just before bringing to the table.
Pin The smoked paprika in this recipe is my secret ingredient for adding depth. My grandmother always used it in her Mexican-inspired dishes, and that subtle smokiness reminds me of summer cookouts at her home in Arizona. I've carried on the tradition, and my children now recognize that distinctive flavor as the signature of our family's comfort food.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This casserole is perfect for planning ahead. You can prepare everything up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking, and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since you're starting with cold ingredients. This has saved me countless times when hosting dinner parties or during hectic weekdays when afternoon activities leave little time for dinner prep.
Ingredient Substitutions
The beauty of this casserole lies in its flexibility. For a healthier version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Brown rice can replace white rice, but you'll need to increase the liquid by ¼ cup and extend the covered baking time by about 15 minutes. Vegetarians can skip the meat entirely and double the beans or add plant-based crumbles. Dairy-free folks can use vegan cheese alternatives or simply omit the cheese and increase the seasonings slightly to compensate for flavor. I've made this with quinoa instead of rice for protein-packed gatherings, and it works wonderfully with just a slight adjustment to cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Transform this casserole into a complete fiesta by serving it with complementary sides and toppings. Set out bowls of diced avocado, sour cream, pico de gallo, and lime wedges to let everyone customize their portion. A simple side salad with cilantro-lime dressing makes the perfect fresh counterpoint to the rich casserole. For casual gatherings, serve with tortilla chips for scooping or warm flour tortillas for wrapping. My family loves when I serve this with Mexican street corn as a side dish or a simple cucumber and jicama slaw for texture contrast.
Storage and Reheating
This casserole actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon of water over each portion before microwaving to prevent the rice from drying out. For best results, reheat in a 325°F oven covered with foil until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. The casserole also freezes beautifully. Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor preservation.
Pin Troubleshooting Tips
If your rice isn't fully cooked after the recommended baking time, your oven might run cool or the foil wasn't sealed tightly enough. Simply add ¼ cup more broth, reseal with foil, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
For those who find their casserole too watery, remove the foil a bit earlier to allow excess moisture to evaporate before adding cheese.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil while allowing cheese to continue melting.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute ground turkey for the beef?
Yes, ground turkey or even ground chicken can easily be used instead of beef for a lighter option. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- → Is this meal gluten-free?
This dish can be made gluten-free by ensuring your taco seasoning and beef broth are certified gluten-free.
- → What toppings work well with this dish?
Try garnish such as sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, avocado, or salsa for extra flavor and freshness.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! Sliced jalapeños, zucchini, or spinach can be added for extra nutrition and variety.
- → How do I make the casserole spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or hot sauce to the mix before baking for more heat.