Save A hearty, comforting casserole packed with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, beans, and melty cheese, all baked in a zesty Tex-Mex tomato sauce.
I first made this Tex-Mex Beef & Rice Casserole for my family after a busy weekday. Its bold flavors and cheesy topping were a hit with everyone, and I loved that it was simple to prepare all in one pan.
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 Jalapeños (optional):
- Sour Cream (optional):
Instructions
- Prepare Casserole Dish:
- 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 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add Spices:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Rice and Liquids:
- Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well.
- Add Beans and Cheese:
- Fold in black beans and 1 cup (115 g) of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer Mixture:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add Remaining Cheese:
- Remove foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (55 g) cheddar over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and rice is tender.
- Rest and Garnish:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, and sour cream as desired.
Save Gathering for family dinner around this casserole always brings everyone together, with each person adding their favorite garnish and sharing stories from their day.
Helpful Substitutions
Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend provides extra richness and flavor variation. Chopped green onions and corn work well for added color and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the casserole with crisp green salad or scoop it up with tortilla chips for a fun, casual meal. Leftovers make a great lunch the next day.
Nutrition & Allergens
Each serving contains about 420 calories, 17 g fat, 41 g carbohydrates, and 26 g protein. Always check ingredient labels for allergens and certifications.
Save This makes excellent leftovers and is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks with friends.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → Can I use other proteins instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
- → Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely, as long as gluten-free beef broth and tomato sauce are used, this casserole remains gluten-free.
- → What cheese works best for this bake?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend add extra creaminess and flavor.
- → Can I add vegetables for more texture?
Yes, corn kernels or chopped green onions are great additions to enhance texture and taste.
- → How can I serve this dish for best presentation?
Serve it with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and sour cream for garnish, or alongside tortilla chips and a green salad.
- → What spices give this dish its Tex-Mex flavor?
Chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano combine to create the signature zesty and smoky notes.