Go Back
Taco Rice Casserole

Taco Rice Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (1 oz)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • Fresh cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado for serving

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, about 6-8 minutes, breaking into crumbles. Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water; simmer 1 minute, then set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine rice, beans, corn, tomatoes with green chilies, salsa, cream cheese, and 1 1/2 cups water. Stir in beef, mixing about 2 minutes until cream cheese is mostly blended.
  3. Transfer mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread even, and top with shredded cheese covering the surface completely.
  4. Cover tightly with foil; bake 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 10-15 minutes more until rice is tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
  5. Rest 5 minutes. Top with cilantro, sour cream, and avocado. Serve hot.

Notes

If you want to swap the packet seasoning, use about 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning and add a pinch of salt. The casserole will finish setting as it rests, so don’t skip that step even if you’re in a hurry.