Save A hearty comforting casserole packed with seasoned ground beef tender rice beans and melty cheese all baked in a zesty Tex-Mex tomato sauce. This dish brings together classic Tex-Mex flavors in a way that is satisfying for both weeknight dinners and gatherings.
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the pot I use for cozy one-pot meals and small-batch recipes, so I wanted to quickly share it here.
This is the Martha Stewart heart-shaped enameled cast iron Dutch oven (2-quart). It’s one of those pieces I reach for constantly when testing soups, stews, baked casseroles, and smaller comfort-food recipes.
- Heats evenly with no hot spots (huge for slow cooking)
- Non-reactive enamel interior — no seasoning required
- Perfect size for small households or side dishes
- Sturdy handles, easy to move from oven to table
It’s also a favorite with home cooks — 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,900 reviews — and Amazon often has a coupon available, depending on color and size.
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Tex-Mex casseroles are a go-to in our house especially when I want something everyone will devour without fuss. The first time I made this beef & rice version my family raved about the cheesy topping and the subtle kick from the green chilies.
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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: chopped (optional garnish)
- Sliced jalapeños: (optional garnish)
- Sour cream: (optional garnish)
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Instructions
- Prep Oven & Dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish.
- Cook Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add diced onion bell pepper and garlic to 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.
- Add Rice & Liquids:
- Add uncooked rice diced tomatoes with their juice tomato sauce and beef broth. Mix well.
- Fold in Beans & Cheese:
- Fold in black beans and 1 cup (115 g) of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer & Bake:
- Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Finish Baking:
- Remove foil sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup (55 g) cheddar over 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 This casserole is a staple for our busy weeknights and my kids love helping sprinkle cheese on top before baking. Sharing this meal always brings everyone to the table with smiles and hungry appetites.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve with tortilla chips a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the flavors and add extra crunch to your plate.
Storage & Leftovers
Cool leftovers completely then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven covered with foil until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Each serving is approximately 420 calories 17 g fat 41 g carbs and 26 g protein making it filling and balanced for most diets.
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This Tex-Mex beef & rice casserole is sure to be a hit the next time you need comfort food. Dig in while it is hot and gooey!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as lighter alternatives without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Replacing ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles works well. Additional veggies can enhance texture.
- → What cheeses work best for topping this bake?
Cheddar provides richness, but Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese blends also melt nicely and add extra flavor.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in advance and refrigerate before baking. Just increase baking time slightly if starting cold.
- → What sides complement this Tex-Mex bake?
Serve with tortilla chips, fresh salsa, or a crisp green salad to balance the hearty casserole.
