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Taco Rice Casserole

This Taco Rice Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful one-pan meal made with seasoned ground meat, rice, beans, salsa, and melted cheese. It’s an easy taco rice bake that delivers classic Tex-Mex comfort in every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Main Casserole
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 can diced tomatoes optional
  • Cheese Layer
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
  • Optional Toppings
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Green onions
  • Avocado or guacamole
  • Jalapeños
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
  2. In a skillet, cook ground meat until browned.
  3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
  4. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
  5. Add rice, broth, salsa, beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Mix well.
  6. Pour mixture into baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
  7. Bake for 35–40 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  8. Remove foil and top with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
  9. Bake uncovered for 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
  11. Add toppings and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use long-grain rice for best texture.
  • Cover tightly so rice cooks evenly.
  • Add extra broth if rice is still firm after baking.
  • Can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours.
  • Freezes well before or after baking for up to 2 months.
  • Works great as part of weekly taco casserole meal prep.