Description
This Twice Baked Crispy Cheesy Taco Rice Casserole is a delicious Tex-Mex inspired dish that combines flavorful taco-seasoned meat with rice, beans, corn, and gooey melted cheese. Baked until crispy on top, it’s a satisfying and comforting main course.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles (drained)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- cooking spray or additional oil for greasing the dish
- chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook for another 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, simmering until thickened.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, taco meat mixture, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chiles, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly inside. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Top with sour cream, diced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor and texture.
- You can substitute cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
