Description
This Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole is everything you want in a comforting meal — quick to prepare, loaded with flavor, and irresistibly cheesy. It’s the perfect answer to weeknight dinner dilemmas, combining ground beef, fluffy rice, hearty black beans, and a medley of Mexican spices under a gooey blanket of melted cheese. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner, a family-friendly meal, or new dinner ideas to spice up your routine, this casserole delivers. It’s savory, satisfying, and incredibly flexible for your favorite add-ins. With vibrant salsa, creamy cheese, and warm seasonings in every bite, this dish is bound to become a staple in your recipe box. Perfect for make-ahead meals, potlucks, or those nights when you just need something warm and wonderful on the table fast.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked long grain white rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa (your preferred spice level)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until partially cooked.
- Add diced onion and garlic; cook until beef is fully browned and onions are soft. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and salsa. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked rice and black beans; mix gently until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top evenly with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes