Description
A flavorful and hearty one-pot meal, this Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice combines seasoned beef, rice, beans, corn, cheese, and bell peppers for a comforting Tex-Mex dinner that’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
500g (1 lb) lean ground beef (mince)
1/3 cup tomato paste
1 1/4 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
2.5 cups (625 ml) low sodium chicken broth
400g (14 oz) can corn kernels, drained
400g (14 oz) can black beans, drained
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup green onions, chopped
2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)
Mexican Spices:
0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
1.5 tbsp dried oregano
3 tsp cumin
3 tsp coriander
3 tsp onion powder
2 tsp paprika
1.5 tsp salt
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for about 1.5 minutes until softened.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef. Break it up as it cooks, sauté until no longer pink—about 2 minutes.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in the Mexican spices. Stir for 30 seconds to release their full flavor.
- Add Veggies: Mix in the diced bell pepper and cook for 1 minute to soften.
- Combine Base Ingredients: Stir in tomato paste and chicken broth. Mix well.
- Incorporate Grains and Beans: Add uncooked rice, corn, and black beans. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover with a lid. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Green Onions: Remove the lid, stir in half the shredded cheese and green onions.
- Top and Melt: Smooth the surface, sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cover and let sit for 1 minute until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with more green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for best results.
Not suitable for brown rice without adjusting cook time.
Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or protein.
Freezes well once completely cooled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 packed cups
- Calories: 715
- Carbohydrates: 73g
- Protein: 45g