If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make meal, this Cheesy Taco Rice Bake is your go-to recipe. This casserole takes all the bold, savory flavors of a classic taco and transforms them into a hearty dish that combines seasoned beef, rice, melty cheese, and your favorite taco toppings. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even meal prepping for busy days, this taco-inspired casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.
This recipe combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese in layers of deliciousness, all baked to perfection. To make it even better, you can top it with classic taco garnishes like guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes, adding fresh and creamy elements that elevate the dish. Let’s dive into this taco casserole wonder!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels (optional)
- 1½ cups beef broth (or water)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon cumin (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Toppings (Optional but recommended):
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
- Jalapeño slices (for heat)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Begin by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Use long-grain white rice for this dish, as it will hold up better in the casserole. Set the cooked rice aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Season the Meat
Once the beef is browned, add the taco seasoning packet (or your homemade taco seasoning mix), diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn (if using). Stir in the beef broth, cumin (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine with Cooked Rice
Once your taco meat mixture is ready, combine it with the cooked rice in the skillet, stirring to incorporate everything evenly. The rice will absorb all the delicious taco flavors, making each bite satisfying and flavorful.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread half of the rice and beef mixture across the bottom in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over this layer. Then, add the remaining rice and beef mixture on top of the cheese, followed by the final 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly with a slight golden brown color.
Step 7: Add Taco Toppings
Once baked, remove the Cheesy Taco Rice Bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Now comes the fun part—adding all your favorite taco toppings! Spread dollops of guacamole and sour cream over the casserole, and sprinkle it with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeños. Finish it off with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a zesty kick.
Cooking Notes:
- Substitute Proteins: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like crumbled tofu or tempeh.
- Spice Level: If you like it spicy, add more jalapeños, hot sauce, or use a spicier taco seasoning mix. If you’re cooking for kids or those sensitive to spice, you can opt for mild salsa and omit the chilies.
- Rice Options: While white rice is traditional, feel free to use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist. Ensure you adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions:
The Cheesy Taco Rice Bake pairs well with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with warm tortillas or tortilla chips for added crunch. For a crowd, offer a topping bar with a variety of options like olives, salsa verde, pico de gallo, or different types of shredded cheese so everyone can customize their portion.
Tips:
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- Leftover Makeovers: Turn leftovers into tacos or burritos by wrapping the cheesy rice and beef mixture in a tortilla with extra cheese and toppings.
- Customize Toppings: Play around with different toppings, such as pickled onions, chopped avocados, or a drizzle of hot sauce for even more layers of flavor.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fiber: 6g
Conclusion:
The Cheesy Taco Rice Bake is the ultimate comfort food that merges the flavors of a taco with the convenience of a casserole. It’s rich, flavorful, cheesy, and fully customizable to suit your taste. This dish is perfect for taco night or any day you’re craving something easy yet satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a dish to meal prep, this taco-inspired casserole will quickly become a favorite!
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Cheesy Taco Rice Bake Recipe: A Taco-Inspired Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels (optional)
- 1½ cups beef broth (or water)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon cumin (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Toppings (Optional but recommended):
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
- Jalapeño slices (for heat)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Begin by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Use long-grain white rice for this dish, as it will hold up better in the casserole. Set the cooked rice aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Season the Meat
Once the beef is browned, add the taco seasoning packet (or your homemade taco seasoning mix), diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn (if using). Stir in the beef broth, cumin (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine with Cooked Rice
Once your taco meat mixture is ready, combine it with the cooked rice in the skillet, stirring to incorporate everything evenly. The rice will absorb all the delicious taco flavors, making each bite satisfying and flavorful.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread half of the rice and beef mixture across the bottom in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over this layer. Then, add the remaining rice and beef mixture on top of the cheese, followed by the final 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly with a slight golden brown color.
Step 7: Add Taco Toppings
Once baked, remove the Cheesy Taco Rice Bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Now comes the fun part—adding all your favorite taco toppings! Spread dollops of guacamole and sour cream over the casserole, and sprinkle it with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeños. Finish it off with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a zesty kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 460
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g