Savory beef, rice, beans, and cheese baked with Tex-Mex flavors for an easy, hearty casserole meal.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 1 pound lean ground beef
02 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Grains
06 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
→ Sauces & Liquids
07 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
08 - 1 cup beef broth
09 - 1/2 cup tomato sauce
→ Dairy
10 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
16 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Garnishes (optional)
17 - Chopped fresh cilantro
18 - Sliced jalapeños
19 - Sour cream
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat if needed.
03 - Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
04 - Sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Pour in uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix thoroughly to combine.
06 - Fold in black beans and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
07 - Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
08 - Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
09 - Remove foil, sprinkle reserved 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for 10 minutes until cheese melts and rice is tender.
10 - Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
