Introduction:

Southwest Beef and Rice Bake with Corn and Salsa is a flavorful, hearty casserole that combines all the classic elements of Southwestern cuisine. Featuring seasoned ground beef, corn, salsa, and rice, this dish is topped with melted cheese to create a zesty and satisfying meal. The combination of savory beef, tangy salsa, sweet corn, and perfectly cooked rice makes this a versatile dinner option that’s sure to become a family favorite.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing meal for casual get-togethers. The best part? It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite ingredients like black beans, jalapeños, or avocado. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious Southwest-inspired bake at home!

Ingredients:

For the Southwest Beef and Rice Bake:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if needed for cooking the beef)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (about 1 cup uncooked)
• 1½ cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
• 1½ cups salsa (mild, medium, or spicy based on preference)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or cheddar cheese)
• ½ cup black beans (optional for added protein)
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• ½ cup sour cream (optional for serving)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of oil.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

1. Prepare the Rice – Cook your rice according to the package instructions, or use leftover rice if you have it on hand. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Beef – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat (if needed, depending on how lean the beef is). Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
2. Add Onion, Peppers, and Garlic – Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Season the Beef – Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 more minutes to toast the spices and blend the flavors.

Step 4: Mix the Ingredients

1. Combine Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl (or in the skillet if it’s large enough), combine the cooked rice, seasoned beef mixture, corn kernels, salsa, and black beans (if using). Mix until everything is well incorporated.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Transfer to Baking Dish – Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
2. Top with Cheese – Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake the Casserole – Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish – Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
2. Serve – Serve the casserole with a dollop of sour cream on top or alongside if desired. You can also add toppings like sliced avocado, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.

Cooking Notes:

• If you like spicier food, feel free to use a spicier salsa or add a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture when cooking.
• This dish can easily be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
• Use whatever cheese you prefer or have on hand—cheddar, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work wonderfully in this dish.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair this Southwest Beef and Rice Bake with a side of guacamole or tortilla chips for a fun, Tex-Mex-inspired meal.
• Serve with a fresh green salad tossed with a zesty lime vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
• Add a side of roasted or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or tomatoes for a colorful and nutritious accompaniment.

Tips:

• Customization: Feel free to get creative by adding extras like black olives, diced tomatoes, or even chopped spinach for a healthier twist.
• Meal Prep: This casserole stores well and makes great leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Healthier Option: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, and use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 25 minutes

Total Time:

• 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 28g
• Sodium: 800mg

Conclusion:

Southwest Beef and Rice Bake with Corn and Salsa is a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for any busy weeknight or family gathering. The bold flavors of seasoned beef, sweet corn, tangy salsa, and melted cheese make every bite deliciously satisfying. Plus, it’s versatile—you can customize it with your favorite ingredients or make it ahead for convenience. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a cozy comfort meal, this casserole is a surefire hit!

Southwest Beef and Rice Bake with Corn and Salsa

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 40 minutes

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Southwest Beef and Rice Bake:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if needed for cooking the beef)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (about 1 cup uncooked)
• 1½ cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
• 1½ cups salsa (mild, medium, or spicy based on preference)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or cheddar cheese)
• ½ cup black beans (optional for added protein)
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• ½ cup sour cream (optional for serving)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of oil.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

1. Prepare the Rice – Cook your rice according to the package instructions, or use leftover rice if you have it on hand. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Beef – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat (if needed, depending on how lean the beef is). Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
2. Add Onion, Peppers, and Garlic – Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Season the Beef – Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 more minutes to toast the spices and blend the flavors.

Step 4: Mix the Ingredients

1. Combine Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl (or in the skillet if it’s large enough), combine the cooked rice, seasoned beef mixture, corn kernels, salsa, and black beans (if using). Mix until everything is well incorporated.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Transfer to Baking Dish – Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
2. Top with Cheese – Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake the Casserole – Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish – Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
2. Serve – Serve the casserole with a dollop of sour cream on top or alongside if desired. You can also add toppings like sliced avocado, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Sodium: 800mg
• Protein: 28g