Introduction

Looking for a hearty, flavor-packed meal with a bit of Southwestern flair? This Southwest Cheesy Hamburger and Rice Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a delicious blend of southwestern spices, all baked together in a cheesy, savory casserole. Topped with spicy jalapeños and crunchy crushed tortilla chips, this dish is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The tangy dressing of sour cream with a squeeze of lime adds the perfect fresh and creamy contrast, making every bite irresistible.

This casserole is a great weeknight meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and the leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Get ready for your next family favorite!

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Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (or plain diced tomatoes)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade equivalent)
• 1 (10-ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup sliced pickled or fresh jalapeños (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup sour cream
• Juice of 1 lime (plus more for serving if desired)

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Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
• Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
• Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, diced tomatoes with green chilies (including their juices), and black beans. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

• While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the rice. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of beef broth or water to a boil. Add the uncooked rice, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
• Fluff the rice with a fork when done and set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, beef mixture, condensed cheddar cheese soup, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Transfer the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
• Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
• After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Add the Toppings

• Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle the sliced jalapeños over the top, followed by the crushed tortilla chips for a nice crunch.

Step 7: Make the Dressing

• While the casserole is cooling, prepare the sour cream dressing. In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream and the juice of one lime. Stir until smooth and creamy.
• Adjust the lime juice to taste. Set aside for serving.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

• Slice or scoop the casserole into portions and serve with a generous dollop of the lime-infused sour cream. If desired, add an extra squeeze of lime juice over the top for added brightness.

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Cooking Note:

• If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of jalapeños or omit them entirely. You can also swap out the spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies for plain diced tomatoes if you prefer less heat.
• To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground beef substitute or extra beans (such as pinto or kidney beans).

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Serving Suggestions:

This Southwest Cheesy Hamburger and Rice Casserole is delicious served with additional fresh toppings like diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or even a side of guacamole. You can also pair it with a fresh green salad or a side of Mexican street corn for a complete meal.

For an extra burst of flavor, consider serving this dish with salsa verde, pico de gallo, or even extra hot sauce for those who like their food spicy.

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Tips:

• Make-ahead option: You can prepare this casserole in advance by assembling it up until the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezer-friendly: This dish freezes well. Simply bake, cool, and store in an airtight container or wrap the entire casserole tightly in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through.
• Customize it: Feel free to add extra vegetables like corn or diced zucchini for more texture and flavor. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or using spicier cheese.

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Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 45 minutes

Total Time:

• 1 hour

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Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 24g
• Sodium: 920mg
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fat: 23g
• Fiber: 4g

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Conclusion

This Southwest Cheesy Hamburger and Rice Casserole is the perfect blend of rich, cheesy goodness and bold Southwestern flavors. The tender beef and rice, combined with black beans, tomatoes, and spices, create a savory, satisfying dish that’s finished off with crunchy crushed tortilla chips and the kick of jalapeños. The sour cream and lime dressing adds a fresh and zesty complement to the hearty casserole, making every bite bright and delicious.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a dish for your next potluck, or a meal-prep option, this casserole is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and comforting textures.

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