Pin A hearty, comforting casserole packed with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, beans, and melty cheese, all baked in a zesty Tex-Mex tomato sauce.
The first time I made this casserole, my friends gathered around the table and raved about how the spicy flavors blended with the creamy cheese and tender grains. It quickly became our go-to comfort food when we want something filling and crowd-pleasing.
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
- Sliced jalapeños (optional): for garnish
- Sour cream (optional): for serving
Instructions
- Prep:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish.
- Brown 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.
- Spice it up:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Mix grains and liquids:
- 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 shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Bake covered:
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Top with cheese and bake:
- 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.
- Finish and serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, and sour cream as desired.
Pin Sharing this dish with my family brings everyone together: the fun of topping their own slices with fresh cilantro or a spoonful of sour cream always makes mealtime interactive and festive.
Recipe Variations
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also use Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend if you want more cheesy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with tortilla chips or a crisp green salad. Add corn kernels or chopped green onions to the mix for extra crunch and color.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has approximately 420 calories, 17 g total fat, 41 g carbohydrates, and 26 g protein. Nutrition may vary with your choice of ingredients.
Pin This Tex-Mex beef & rice casserole makes a warming meal perfect for busy weeknights. Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute the beef with other proteins?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter variation without sacrificing flavor.
- → Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use certified gluten-free beef broth and tomato sauce to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.
- → What cheeses work well besides cheddar?
Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend can add different flavors and melts beautifully in the casserole.
- → Can I add additional vegetables to this dish?
Yes, corn kernels or chopped green onions can be stirred in to enhance texture and taste.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- → What can I serve alongside this casserole?
It pairs nicely with tortilla chips or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.