Description
A comforting taco rice casserole that combines bold flavors and cozy textures, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ¼ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 4-ounce can chopped green chilies
- 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (or a blend of cheeses)
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sour cream, avocado or guacamole, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion for 7-8 minutes until browned and the onion is translucent.
- Drain any excess grease, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute.
- Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), green chilies, and beef broth; mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 45-50 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Remove the foil, fluff the rice with a fork, and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving. Top with shredded lettuce, sour cream, avocado, and fresh cilantro as desired.
Notes
Customize with vegetarian options or additional spices as desired. Leftovers can be used creatively in other dishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg