Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- Transfer to Baking Dish – Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese – Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 6: Bake
- 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
- Garnish – Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- 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