Comforting Tex-Mex bake featuring seasoned beef, rice, beans, and melted cheddar in a zesty tomato sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 1 lb lean ground beef
02 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Grains
06 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
→ Sauces & Liquids
07 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
08 - 1 cup beef broth
09 - 1/2 cup tomato sauce
→ Dairy
10 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 2 tsp chili powder
12 - 1 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
15 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
16 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Garnishes (optional)
17 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Sliced jalapeños
19 - Sour cream
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and drain excess fat if needed.
03 - Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
05 - Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the skillet and mix thoroughly.
06 - Fold in the black beans and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly.
07 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
08 - Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
09 - Remove the foil; sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar over the top and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and rice is tender.
10 - Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, and sour cream if desired.
