Save to Pinterest A hearty& comforting casserole packed with seasoned ground beef& tender rice& beans& and melty cheese& all baked in a zesty Tex-Mex tomato sauce.
Tex-Mex casseroles always bring me back to family weeknight meals& where the aroma of spices filled our kitchen. I remember layering the ingredients& knowing everyone would come running when it came out bubbling from the oven.
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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 garnish
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Instructions
- Preheat and 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 ground beef until browned& draining excess fat if needed.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add diced onion& bell pepper& and garlic& sautéing for 3 4 minutes until softened.
- Season:
- Stir in chili powder& cumin& paprika& oregano& salt& and pepper& cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add rice and liquids:
- Add uncooked rice& diced tomatoes with juice& tomato sauce& and beef broth& mixing well.
- Fold in beans and cheese:
- Stir in black beans and 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble:
- Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Bake covered:
- Cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes.
- Bake uncovered:
- Remove foil& sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup (55 g) cheddar cheese over top& and bake uncovered for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and rice is tender.
- Finish and serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving& garnish with cilantro& jalapeños& and sour cream as desired.
Save to Pinterest Everyone loves piling their plates high with this casserole& then gathering together at the table for seconds. It always sparks laughter and lively conversation with its crowd-pleasing flavors.
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Customizations
Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version& or use Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for added richness. Corn kernels and chopped green onions are easy add-ins for more texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with tortilla chips for a fun crunch or alongside a crisp green salad to balance the hearty flavors. Toppings like fresh cilantro and jalapeños add extra punch.
Nutrition Information
Each serving provides about 420 calories& 17 g fat& 41 g carbs& and 26 g protein& making this an energizing main dish that will keep everyone satisfied.
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This casserole brings everyone together for a warm& satisfying meal. Enjoy the leftovers—they&re just as delicious the next day!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can substitute ground beef for a lighter, leaner version without changing the dish's essence.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
It is gluten-free if using certified gluten-free beef broth and tomato sauces. Always check labels to be sure.
- → What cheese works best for this bake?
Cheddar is traditional, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend can add extra flavor and creaminess.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the layers and refrigerate before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
- → What sides complement this dish well?
Tortilla chips or a crisp green salad provide great texture contrast and fresh balance to the hearty bake.
- → How can I add more vegetables?
Include corn kernels, chopped green onions, or additional peppers to increase texture and color variety.
