Save to Pinterest A hearty, comforting casserole packed with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, beans, and melty cheese baked in zesty Tex-Mex tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you crave big flavors and a satisfying meal for the whole family.
The first time I made this casserole, my kitchen was filled with irresistible aromas, and my family couldn't wait to dig in. Every time I serve it, there are never any leftovers—it quickly became a weeknight staple.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: 1 lb (450 g)
- Black beans: 1 can (15 oz/425 g), drained and rinsed
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup (200 g), uncooked
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: 1 can (14 oz/400 g), undrained
- Beef broth: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Tomato sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups (170 g), divided
- Chili powder: 2 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (or to taste)
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Fresh cilantro (optional): chopped for garnish
- Sliced jalapeños (optional): for garnish
- Sour cream (optional): for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish.
- Brown Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Season:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Main Ingredients:
- Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well.
- Add Beans & Cheese:
- Fold in black beans and 1 cup (115 g) of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer & Bake:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add Remaining Cheese:
- Remove foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (55 g) cheddar over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and rice is tender.
- Rest & Garnish:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, and sour cream as desired.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this casserole with my kids brings back memories of family taco nights, where laughter and a bit of friendly competition over who gets the last crispy edge made dinner extra special every time.
Recipe Variations
Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken to lighten the dish. For a richer taste, use Monterey Jack or blend in a Mexican cheese mix. Toss in corn or green onions for added color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with tortilla chips or a crisp green salad on the side. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream makes each serving extra festive.
Nutrition Info
Each serving delivers about 420 calories, 17 g fat, 41 g carbohydrates, and 26 g protein; perfect for fueling active evenings or satisfying hungry guests.
Save to Pinterest This Tex-Mex casserole delivers bold flavors in every cheesy spoonful. Enjoy with your favorite toppings for a crowd-pleasing family meal!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter option and works well with the Tex-Mex flavors.
- → What cheeses can I use besides cheddar?
Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or pepper jack cheese are excellent alternatives for extra flavor.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free broth and tomato sauce. Always check ingredient labels for hidden gluten.
- → What vegetables can I add for extra texture?
Corn kernels and chopped green onions are great additions to boost texture and color.
- → What sides go well with this casserole?
Tortilla chips or a crisp green salad are excellent side options to serve with the casserole.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it can be made ahead, stored in the fridge, and reheated throughout the week for easy meals.