2lbs of Ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning
2 Spanish rice packets prepared per package in the pan with the cooked ground beef
1 drained can of corn
Top with cheese
Cheap, easy, pleanty of food for left overs. It’s delicious
Cheesy Taco Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 packets Spanish rice mix (prepared per package instructions)
- 1 can corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season with Taco Seasoning:
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked ground beef and stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare Spanish Rice:
- In the same pan, prepare the Spanish rice according to the package instructions. This usually involves adding water and the rice mix to the pan and simmering until the rice is tender.
- Combine Rice, Beef, and Corn:
- Once the rice is cooked, mix it into the seasoned ground beef in the pan. Add the drained can of corn to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Transfer the combined mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the rice and beef mixture.
- Bake in the Oven:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out generous portions, and enjoy your Cheesy Taco Rice Casserole!
Optional Toppings:
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for added freshness.
This Cheesy Taco Rice Casserole is not only budget-friendly and easy to make but also yields plenty of leftovers for future meals. It’s a delicious and comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
1. Can I prepare Cheesy Taco Rice Casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if the casserole is cold from the refrigerator.
2. Can I freeze Cheesy Taco Rice Casserole?
- Absolutely! Once baked, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through.
3. What can I serve with Cheesy Taco Rice Casserole?
- This casserole pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a side of sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
4. Can I customize the ingredients to suit my taste preferences?
- Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding ingredients like black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, or different types of cheese. Adjust the level of spiciness by using mild or hot salsa and seasoning to your liking.
5. Can I make Cheesy Taco Rice Casserole vegetarian?
- Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat or substituting it with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, black beans, or meatless grounds.
6. How long does it take to bake Cheesy Taco Rice Casserole?
- The baking time can vary, but generally, it takes about 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Make sure the casserole is heated through, and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
7. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time, so adjust the cooking time accordingly or partially cook the brown rice before adding it to the casserole.
8. How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven.
9. Is this dish spicy?
- The spiciness depends on the salsa and seasoning you use. You can control the heat by choosing mild or spicy salsa and adjusting the amount of taco seasoning to your preference.
10. Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are good choices, but you can use your favorite melting cheese.
