Description
Hearty tex mex casserole brings layers of zesty southwestern flavors to dinner tables with bold spices and rich ingredients. Comfort meets culinary excitement in this easy-to-prepare dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Sliced jalapenos (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C), ensuring optimal cooking temperature for the casserole.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce ground meat to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Incorporate minced garlic, stirring quickly to release its aromatic essence without burning.
- Add uncooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and broth, creating a rich, layered mixture.
- Allow the mixture to simmer, blending flavors and ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the skillet contents to a greased casserole dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform base.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become tender.
- Remove foil and generously sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese across the surface.
- Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, waiting until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
- Finish by garnishing with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with optional toppings for enhanced flavor and texture.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor profile.
- Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to create a lower-carb alternative that keeps the dish’s Tex-Mex essence.
- Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning and adjusting green chili intensity to suit personal preferences.
- Prep ingredients beforehand and assemble quickly for a weeknight meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 432 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg