Pin It 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 first made this Tex-Mex beef & rice casserole for a potluck and it quickly became a favorite for its rich flavor and easy prep. The kids love helping sprinkle cheese on top before baking and everyone always comes back for seconds.
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 pan:
- 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 to 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.
- Add cheese and beans:
- Fold in black beans and 1 cup (115 g) of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Bake covered:
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add remaining cheese 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.
Pin It Sharing this casserole at family dinners always brings lots of smiles, especially when we top it with extra jalapeños for the spice lovers. Everyone agrees it tastes even better the next day!
Variations & Swaps
Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken, or try Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor. Mix in corn or chopped green onions for added color and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with tortilla chips, a crisp green salad, or your favorite salsa. It's also delicious as a filling for burritos or tacos.
Nutrition Information
Each serving has about 420 calories, 17 g total fat, 41 g carbs, and 26 g protein. Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and swaps.
Pin It This Tex-Mex beef & rice casserole is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy every savory spoonful with your favorite toppings!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with other proteins?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as lighter alternatives without compromising flavor or texture.
- → Is it necessary to rinse the black beans before adding?
Rinsing canned black beans removes excess sodium and improves texture, enhancing the overall taste.
- → What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend work well and add extra creaminess and flavor.
- → How do I ensure the rice cooks evenly in the casserole?
Mix uncooked rice thoroughly with liquids and cover the dish tightly while baking to steam the rice evenly.
- → Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the mixture in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if cold from the fridge.