Cheesy Tex-Mex Beef and Rice Bake with Chipotle Crema

Introduction

Get ready for a flavor-packed Tex-Mex feast that’s both comforting and easy to make! This Cheesy Tex-Mex Beef and Rice Bake with Chipotle Crema is a crowd-pleaser loaded with savory ground beef, zesty spices, hearty rice, and melty cheese. It’s the ultimate one-pan meal that brings together the bold, vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. Topped with a smoky chipotle crema, this dish offers a perfect balance of creaminess, heat, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.


Ingredients

For the Tex-Mex Beef and Rice Bake:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For the Chipotle Crema:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chipotle Crema

  1. In a small bowl, mix together sour cream, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Stir until well combined, then cover and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

  1. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink.
  2. Drain any excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Spices

  1. Stir in diced bell peppers and corn kernels.
  2. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix well to coat the vegetables and beef evenly with the spices.

Step 5: Incorporate Rice and Liquids

  1. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the skillet.
  2. Stir in the rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 6: Simmer the Mixture

  1. Cover the skillet and let the rice simmer for about 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the black beans.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top of the skillet mixture.
  3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

  1. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  2. Top with chopped cilantro and a generous drizzle of chipotle crema.
  3. Serve hot, and enjoy the cheesy, flavorful goodness!

Cooking Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • For a spicier kick, add extra chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the chipotle crema.
  • Use brown rice or quinoa for a whole grain option, but adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve this dish with a side of tortilla chips for added crunch.
  • Pair with a simple salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a fresh, tangy contrast.
  • A side of guacamole or salsa makes an excellent accompaniment.

Tips

  • Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet for easy transfer from stovetop to oven.
  • If the dish is too thick, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up before serving.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Prep Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fiber: 6g

Conclusion

This Cheesy Tex-Mex Beef and Rice Bake with Chipotle Crema is a comforting, satisfying meal that brings a taste of the Southwest to your table. The combination of spices, beef, cheese, and the creamy chipotle topping creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a versatile, family-friendly dish that’s easy to make and sure to become a weeknight staple. Whether you’re a fan of bold Tex-Mex flavors or looking for a new go-to casserole recipe, this dish won’t disappoint!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cheesy Tex-Mex Beef and Rice Bake with Chipotle Crema


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Tex-Mex Beef and Rice Bake:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For the Chipotle Crema:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 12 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chipotle Crema

  1. In a small bowl, mix together sour cream, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Stir until well combined, then cover and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

  1. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink.
  2. Drain any excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Spices

  1. Stir in diced bell peppers and corn kernels.
  2. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix well to coat the vegetables and beef evenly with the spices.

Step 5: Incorporate Rice and Liquids

  1. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the skillet.
  2. Stir in the rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 6: Simmer the Mixture

  1. Cover the skillet and let the rice simmer for about 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the black beans.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top of the skillet mixture.
  3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

  1. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  2. Top with chopped cilantro and a generous drizzle of chipotle crema.
  3. Serve hot, and enjoy the cheesy, flavorful goodness!
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Protein: 22g

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating