What happens when comfort food meets bold Tex-Mex flavors in one satisfying casserole dish? You get the ultimate Ground Beef Fiesta Rice Bake, a crowd-pleasing dinner that transforms simple pantry staples into something spectacular. This cheesy rice bake combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese into a hearty meal that feeds the whole family.
Furthermore, this fiesta rice casserole solves the eternal weeknight dinner dilemma. Instead of juggling multiple pots and pans, you simply layer everything in one baking dish and let the oven do the work. Additionally, the recipe adapts easily to your family’s preferences, making it perfect for picky eaters and spice lovers alike.
Most importantly, this tex mex beef rice creation delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The combination of aromatic spices, tender beef, and gooey cheese creates a memorable meal that rivals restaurant favorites. Meanwhile, the one-dish convenience means fewer dishes to wash and more time to spend with loved ones.
Ingredients
This hearty rice casserole starts with simple ingredients that pack incredible flavor. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of protein, carbs, and bold seasonings.
For the Rice Base:
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati work beautifully)
- 2½ cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Beef Layer:
- 1½ pounds ground beef (85/15 lean ratio works best)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade blend)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
For the Fiesta Finish:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup frozen corn kernels
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
Substitution Options:
Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version. Similarly, brown rice works well but requires additional cooking time. For dairy-free versions, use plant-based cheese alternatives. Meanwhile, fire-roasted tomatoes add extra smoky flavor.
Timing
This easy beef dinner requires strategic timing for perfect results. Plan approximately 75 minutes from start to finish, which is 25% faster than traditional layered casseroles.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Serves: 6-8 people generously
Breaking down the timeline helps you plan efficiently. First, rice preparation takes 5 minutes, while beef browning requires 12-15 minutes. Next, assembly takes just 5 minutes, and baking needs 35-40 minutes. Finally, resting time of 10 minutes allows flavors to settle perfectly.
Prepare the Rice Foundation
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This weeknight mexican recipe begins with perfectly cooked rice that forms the foundation of your casserole.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the rice and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until grains become lightly golden. This toasting step adds incredible depth to the final dish.
Pour in the beef broth slowly while stirring continuously. The liquid will bubble vigorously at first, then settle into a gentle simmer. Add salt and bring to a rolling boil. Cover tightly with a lid or foil, then transfer to the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes.
Brown the Seasoned Beef
While the rice cooks, prepare the protein layer of your ground beef rice meal. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 5-6 minutes until it starts browning.
Add the diced onion to the beef and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes. The onions should become translucent and fragrant. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well. Add the drained diced tomatoes and green chiles. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until excess liquid evaporates and flavors meld together beautifully.
Assemble Your Fiesta Creation
Remove the rice from the oven and carefully uncover it. The grains should be tender and have absorbed all the broth. Fluff gently with a fork to separate the grains evenly.
Spread the seasoned beef mixture over the rice in an even layer. Sprinkle the frozen corn kernels across the surface, then top with both types of shredded cheese. The cheese layer should completely cover the casserole for optimal melting.
Cover the dish with foil and return to the oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-17 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown around the edges.
Add the Fresh Finishing Touches
Allow your fiesta comfort food to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This crucial step prevents the layers from sliding apart when serving and allows flavors to marry completely.
Sprinkle fresh cilantro and sliced green onions over the entire surface just before serving. These fresh herbs add brightness and color that contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy layers beneath.
Nutritional Information
This Ground Beef Fiesta Rice Bake provides balanced nutrition that satisfies hungry families. Each serving contains approximately:
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Calcium | 320mg |
| Iron | 4mg |
The high protein content supports muscle maintenance and keeps you feeling satisfied longer. Meanwhile, the carbohydrates provide sustained energy for active families. Additionally, the cheese contributes significant calcium for bone health.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this tex mex beef rice into a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. Start by using 93/7 lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey to reduce saturated fat content by 40%.
Replace white rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice for added fiber and nutrients. Brown rice increases fiber content by 3 grams per serving, while cauliflower rice cuts carbohydrates by 75%.
Use reduced-fat cheese blends to lower calorie content by approximately 80 calories per serving. Furthermore, add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or black beans to boost nutritional value.
For lower sodium versions, use no-salt-added diced tomatoes and low-sodium broth. Create homemade taco seasoning with cumin, chili powder, and paprika instead of packaged mixes.
Serving Suggestions
Present this cheesy rice bake with complementary sides that round out the Tex-Mex experience. Serve alongside fresh guacamole, sour cream, and pickled jalapeños for customizable heat levels.
A crisp romaine lettuce salad with lime vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Similarly, warm corn tortillas allow family members to create their own soft tacos using the casserole as filling.
For entertaining, set up a toppings bar with diced avocado, salsa verde, hot sauce, and lime wedges. This interactive approach lets guests personalize their portions while creating a fun, casual dining experience.
Consider pairing with Mexican street corn (elote) or cilantro-lime black beans for a complete feast. These sides complement the casserole’s flavors while adding different textures and nutrients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Prevent mushy rice by avoiding over-stirring once the broth is added. Excessive stirring releases too much starch and creates a gummy texture instead of fluffy, separate grains.
Don’t skip the meat browning step, as this develops essential flavor compounds through the Maillard reaction. Properly browned beef adds depth that can’t be achieved through baking alone.
Avoid using pre-shredded cheese when possible, as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and creates better texture.
Monitor oven temperature carefully, as overheating causes the cheese to separate and become greasy. If your oven runs hot, reduce temperature by 25°F and extend cooking time slightly.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftover ground beef rice meal in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. Portion into individual servings for quick reheating throughout the week.
For freezer storage, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Properly stored casserole maintains quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave on 70% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To refresh leftover casserole, sprinkle fresh cheese on top before reheating. This simple trick restores the creamy texture and makes leftovers taste freshly made.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Fiesta Rice Bake proves that delicious, satisfying dinners don’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. The recipe combines familiar flavors in an approachable format that works perfectly for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Most importantly, this hearty rice casserole adapts to your family’s preferences while delivering consistent results every time. Whether you’re feeding picky children or adventurous adults, the customizable nature makes it a reliable go-to meal.
Try this recipe this week and discover how easy it is to create restaurant-quality Tex-Mex flavors at home. Share your results in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag us in your social media posts. Your feedback helps other home cooks create their own delicious versions of this family-friendly favorite.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire fiesta rice casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
What’s the best rice for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice works best because it stays fluffy and doesn’t become mushy during baking. Jasmine and basmati varieties provide excellent results with their distinct, separate grains.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this weeknight mexican recipe doubles perfectly. Use a 9×13-inch baking dish or two smaller dishes. Increase baking time by 10-15 minutes to account for the larger volume.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is mild to moderate, perfect for most families. Adjust spiciness by choosing mild or hot diced chiles and adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper to taste.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
Create your own blend using 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of cumin and paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
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