Beef taco rice bake simmers seasoned ground beef with rice, salsa, and melted cheese for a one-dish Tex-Mex family dinner. This protein-packed meal is quick, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add ground beef to the hot skillet. Crumble and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring often, until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if desired.
Add the taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the beef. Mix and cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
Stir in cooked rice, black beans, corn, and salsa. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined and coated in seasoning.
Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture.