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.
The first time I made this Tex-Mex Beef & Rice Casserole, everyone at the table went back for seconds. It quickly became our go-to comfort food, especially on busy nights when I need something both easy 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):
- Sour cream (optional):
Instructions
- Prep and Oven:
- 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 ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to 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.
- Combine Rice and Liquids:
- Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well.
- Fold in Beans & Cheese:
- Fold in black beans and 1 cup (115 g) of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble:
- Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered:
- Remove foil, sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup (55 g) cheddar over top, bake uncovered for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and rice tender.
- Rest & Garnish:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, and sour cream as desired.
Save Everyone in my family requests this casserole for birthdays and game nights. It has become a tradition to make it together, each of us adding our favorite toppings before serving.
Notes & Variations
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Try Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor, or add corn kernels and green onions to boost the texture.
Required Tools
You'll need a large skillet, a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish, a mixing spoon, aluminum foil, and a chefs knife with cutting board to prep this meal easily.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving provides about 420 calories, 17 g total fat, 41 g carbohydrates, and 26 g protein.
Save This casserole is perfect for sharing, and leftovers taste just as delicious. Enjoy every bite and feel free to make it your own!
Recipe Guide
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with other proteins?
Yes, lean ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives that maintain flavor while lightening the dish.
- → How can I make the casserole spicier?
Adding extra jalapeños or increasing chili powder enhances the heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- → Is it possible to prepare this in advance?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate; bake just before serving for maximum freshness.
- → What are some good garnishes to complement the flavors?
Fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream add brightness and balance to the savory base.
- → Can different cheeses be used for this dish?
Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend offer creamy texture and a mild tang that pairs well with the spices.