Taco Rice Casserole

This Taco Rice Casserole is a delicious and easy dish to make. The ground beef, black beans, and diced tomatoes provide protein and depth of flavor while the rice helps turn the casserole into a full meal.

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe   
• Simple ingredients list
• Instructions 
• Equipment
• FAQ's
• Test kitchen tips
• Variations
• Storage
• Related recipes
• Serve with
• Easy Taco Rice Casserole

Why you'll love this recipe   

✔️  The cheesy taco rice is the perfect combination of Mexican and American flavors, with just enough spice for a great meal! 

✔️ You can prep this casserole ahead so you can bake it when you get home from work.  Which means that it's perfect for busy weeknights! 

✔️ It only takes a few ingredients so it's budget-friendly and easy to find at any grocery store. 

Simple ingredients list

Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements. 

• A pound of ground beef - I use lean ground beef. If you use a 20/80 mix, just be sure to drain it well.
• onion
• canned black beans
• frozen or canned corn, canned fiesta corn is terrific too.
• Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles)
• instant Spanish rice
• 1 ½ tablespoons taco seasoning
• shredded cheese
• optional garnishes - sliced green onions, cilantro, diced tomatoes, slices olives and sour cream.

Instructions 

This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.

1. Over medium heat in a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onions until no longer pink. Drain well.
2. While the meat is cooking, cook the instant rice according to package directions, set aside.
3. Add the drained black beans, Ro*tel, corn, and instant rice, stir to combine. 
4. Pour in the water and sprinkle with the taco seasoning. Mix well and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Stir in half the cheese. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and add a lid to the skillet. That will help melt the cheese more quickly.
6. Remove from heat and top with optional garnishes - serve and enjoy!

Equipment

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• Large skillet 
• Casserole dish - Glass or ceramic works best for casseroles like this one. 

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FAQ's

Test kitchen tips

• For quick and easy cleanup, don't forget to spray your casserole dish before you add the casserole filling to it.
• Keep your casserole from getting greasy by draining your meat well once it's finished cooking. 
• If you want the best cheese melt I recommend using freshly shredded cheese, you can any type of cheese that you prefer such as cheddar cheese, Monterey jack, or even Mexican blend.  
• Garnish this casserole with your favorite taco toppings, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, taco sauce, and sour cream are all favorites in our house. 

Variations

• Not a fan of beef? Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken to lighten this casserole up. 
• Does your family prefer pinto beans? Swap out the black beans for a can of drained and rinsed pinto beans. 
• Want to add some vegetables? You can add diced bell pepper, diced zucchini or spice it up with diced jalapeno, or even fresh tomatoes to this hearty comfort food.  
• Out of Spanish rice? You can add cooked white rice or brown rice instead. If I'm using plain rice, I like to add a little tomato paste, and a dash of onion powder and garlic powder to the rice for a little extra flavor. 

Storage

Refrigerate -  Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. If you are preparing the casserole ahead of time, assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. 

Freezer - This dish is freezer-friendly and can be stored for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap it in plastic wrap and foil. Don't forget to use a freezer-safe dish. 

Reheating - Reheat leftovers in the oven at  350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You could also reheat individual servings in the microwave. 

Related recipes

Here are more easy dinner ideas that will be a hit with your whole family!

• Are you a fan of  Mexican recipes? This Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is another one of my favorite easy recipes to make for Mexican night. 
• This Impossible Taco Pie casserole is another one of my favorite homemade casseroles to make when I need something simple, tasty, and quick to make. 
• Looking for another tasty casserole that is filled with Mexican flavors? This Taco Salad Casserole is just what you are seeking. You won't regret adding it to your meal plan.

Serve with

• You can't have Taco Tuesday without chips and queso and this Classic Velveeta Cheese Dip is always a winner with the whole family. 
• Want to balance out the richness of this cheesy casserole? If so, you can serve it with a light and refreshing side dish like this Mexican Fruit Salad. 
• This Mexican rice casserole is great on its own, but you could also serve it alongside other Mexican-inspired dishes like this Mexican Street Corn Casserole.

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