Introduction

If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal packed with flavor and a bit of a Tex-Mex flair, this Taco Cheesy Hamburger and Rice Bake is the perfect dish for you. Combining seasoned ground beef, cheesy rice, and delicious taco spices, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a fun twist. The topping of crushed tortilla chips, fresh shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes adds the perfect crunchy, fresh contrast to the cheesy, savory base. Add some salsa and sour cream on top for the perfect finishing touch!

This dish is a versatile crowd-pleaser that works well for family dinners, potlucks, or a fun weekend meal. The combination of cheesy goodness, rich beef, and fresh taco toppings makes it an irresistible recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients:

For the Bake:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 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 regular diced tomatoes)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade equivalent)
• 1 (10-ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes

For the Dressing:

• Salsa, for serving
• Sour cream, for serving

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Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
• Add the diced onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
• Stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies (including their liquid). Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

• While the beef mixture is cooking, prepare the rice. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of beef broth or water to a boil. Stir in the uncooked rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
• Fluff the rice with a fork once it is fully cooked.

Step 3: Combine Beef and Rice

• Once the rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the seasoned beef mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheddar cheese soup, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
• Add the beef and rice mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined and coated in the cheesy sauce.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Add the Toppings

• Once the casserole is out of the oven, sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips on top for added crunch.
• Scatter the shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes over the casserole for a fresh, bright topping.

Step 7: Serve with Salsa and Sour Cream

• Slice the casserole into squares or scoop out individual servings.
• Serve each portion with a dollop of salsa and a spoonful of sour cream to give it that classic taco finish.

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Cooking Note:

• If you prefer a spicier dish, you can use a spicier version of the diced tomatoes with green chilies or add some extra chili powder to the beef mixture.
• For added richness, you can mix a tablespoon of sour cream directly into the beef and rice mixture before baking.
• If you want a lower-carb version, you can substitute the rice with cauliflower rice, though the texture will be slightly different.

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Serving Suggestions:

This Taco Cheesy Hamburger and Rice Bake is perfect served with simple sides like a fresh green salad or Mexican-style corn on the cob. For a heartier meal, you can also serve it alongside refried beans or black beans.

To make it even more of a Tex-Mex feast, consider adding a side of guacamole, extra salsa, or even jalapeño poppers. Don’t forget extra chips for dipping into the salsa and sour cream!

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Tips:

• Make-ahead option: You can assemble the casserole in advance, refrigerate it (before baking), and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just increase the baking time by 10 minutes to ensure it’s fully heated through.
• Customizable toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Some other options include sliced black olives, jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or even diced avocado for extra creaminess.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through.

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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: 460
• Protein: 24g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 23g
• Fiber: 3g

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Conclusion

This Taco Cheesy Hamburger and Rice Bake is a fantastic dish that marries the best flavors of a taco with the comfort of a cheesy casserole. It’s easy to make, can feed a crowd, and is endlessly customizable to suit your preferences. With the combination of seasoned beef, cheesy rice, crunchy toppings, and fresh veggies, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone around the table. The addition of salsa and sour cream makes each bite flavorful and rich, bringing that classic taco flavor to your plate.

Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this casserole delivers on both flavor and convenience.

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