Pin A hearty, comforting casserole packed with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, beans, and melty cheese, all baked in a zesty Tex-Mex tomato sauce.
This Tex-Mex Beef & Rice Casserole quickly became a favorite in my kitchen, especially when I needed something filling and easy. My kids love sneaking extra cheese on top before baking.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: 1 lb (450 g)
- Black beans: 1 can (15 oz/425 g), drained and rinsed
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup (200 g), uncooked
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: 1 can (14 oz/400 g), undrained
- Beef broth: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Tomato sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups (170 g), divided
- Chili powder: 2 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (or to taste)
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Fresh cilantro (optional): chopped
- Sliced jalapenos (optional): for garnish
- Sour cream (optional): for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare oven & pan:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish.
- Cook beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add spices:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add rice & liquids:
- Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well.
- Mix in beans & cheese:
- Fold in black beans and 1 cup (115 g) of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble casserole:
- Transfer mixture to prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Bake covered:
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake with cheese:
- Remove foil, sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup (55 g) cheddar over top, and bake uncovered for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and rice is tender.
- Rest & garnish:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro, jalapenos, and sour cream as desired.
Pin Last Sunday, we enjoyed this casserole together with a side of crisp green salad. It was the highlight of the week and sparked conversations around the dinner table.
Variations
Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken, or use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack for added creaminess. Feel free to add corn kernels or green onions for more texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with tortilla chips, fresh lime wedges, or a simple green salad. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole pairs well too.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
Contains dairy. Choose certified gluten-free ingredients if needed. Each serving has about 420 calories, 17 g total fat, 41 g carbs, and 26 g protein.
Pin This casserole brings both comfort and flavor to any gathering. Enjoy the leftovers--they taste even better the next day!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can ground turkey be substituted for beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version with similar texture and flavor.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Certify your broth and tomato sauce as gluten-free and double check labels for safe, allergy-friendly preparation.
- → What cheese works best for topping?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend adds extra flavor and melts beautifully.
- → How do I know when the rice is cooked?
Check that rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed before serving; proper timing helps prevent undercooked grains.
- → What sides complement this casserole?
Serve with tortilla chips, crisp green salad, or fresh salsa for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal experience.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Corn, chopped green onions, or bell peppers are great options for more color, crunch, and nutrition.