Best Easy Tex-Mex Rice Casserole Recipe

Tex-Mex rice casserole bakes seasoned rice with ground beef, tomatoes, and melted cheese for a spicy family one-dish dinner. This protein-rich casserole is budget-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights.

Cook 50 min Difficulty EASY 420 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • long-grain white rice 1.5 cups
  • ground beef 1 lb
  • diced tomatoes 1 15 oz can
  • black beans 1 15 oz can
  • shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups
  • bell pepper 1 pieces
  • onion 1 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • chili powder 2 tsp
  • ground cumin 1 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 43 g 41%
Protein 22 g 21%
Fat 16 g 38%
Serving size 300g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

  2. 2

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.

  4. 4

    Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add diced tomatoes and black beans, mixing thoroughly. Let simmer for 3 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add rice and 2 3/4 cups water to the skillet, bring to a gentle simmer, then transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.

  6. 6

    Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  7. 7

    Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Tex-Mex rice casserole recipe?
The key ingredient is the long-grain white rice, which forms the base of the casserole and absorbs all the Tex-Mex flavors from the beef, vegetables, and spices. Ground beef adds hearty protein and robust flavor, while tomatoes, beans, and cheese complete its signature taste and texture.
Q. What cooking step ensures the rice is perfectly cooked in the casserole?
After adding rice and liquid, the mixture is baked covered with foil for 30 minutes—this step traps steam and prevents undercooked rice. Uncovering at the end allows moisture to evaporate and the cheese topping to melt, resulting in fluffy, flavorful rice.
Q. How do I avoid mushy or undercooked rice in this casserole?
Measure your rice and water accurately, and bake covered initially to ensure even heat distribution. Removing the foil later lets excess moisture escape. Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking also helps the rice finish steaming and prevents sogginess.
Q. How many calories and what is the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Each serving has 420 kcal, with 22g protein and 43g carbohydrates. Protein accounts for 21% of total calorie content, while carbs are 41%. This recipe offers a balanced protein-to-carb ratio ideal for satisfying meals.
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