Ground Beef Taco Rice Casserole

Name: Ground Beef Taco Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (12 oz) corn, drained; 2 cups beef broth; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 cup salsa; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup diced tomatoes; Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Family Comfort Food Collection

I absolutely love this Ground Beef Taco Rice Casserole! It's a hearty dish that brings together all the classic flavors of a taco in a delightful casserole form. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to prepare while still delivering a comforting and satisfying meal. The combination of seasoned ground beef, flavorful rice, and gooey cheese creates a dish that everyone in the family enjoys. Plus, it makes great leftovers, which is always a bonus!

Created by

Nola Patterson

Last updated on 2026-02-24T04:57:36.016Z

While making this casserole, I experimented with different spice combinations for the ground beef, finally landing on a blend that truly captures the essence of taco seasoning without being overpowering. It was surprising how a simple combination of cumin, chili powder, and garlic can elevate the dish. I also discovered that using a mix of long-grain rice with some added tomato sauce keeps the rice flavor-packed and moist throughout the cooking process.

One crucial tip I've learned is to bake the casserole covered for the first 20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully before uncovering it to let the cheese get that perfect bubbly golden brown. Trust me, this method makes a huge difference in overall richness and taste, ensuring that every bite is delicious!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
All the comforting flavors of tacos in an easy casserole format
Features a cheesy, bubbly topping that melts in your mouth
Perfect for meal prep and satisfying everyone’s cravings

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Ground Beef Taco Rice Casserole is undoubtedly the seasoned ground beef. Selecting a high-quality ground beef with a fat content around 80/20 will yield a juicy result that enhances the overall flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can also be used, though they will provide a slightly different taste and texture. Make sure to brown the meat thoroughly; this step is essential as it not only cooks the beef but also develops a deeper flavor through browning.

Rice plays a crucial role too, acting as the backbone of the casserole. Long-grain rice is ideal because it remains fluffy and doesn’t become mushy during baking. Be sure to wash the rice before adding it to eliminate excess starch, which helps achieve that desired texture. In this recipe, the rice absorbs the flavors from beef broth and salsa, infusing every bite with remarkable taste.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

Layering is vital to the success of this casserole. When you transfer the beef and rice mixture to the baking dish, even distribution is key to ensure that every serving is equally satisfying. Spreading it out evenly allows for consistent cooking and ensures the toppings melt perfectly without any dry spots. Don’t skip the foil step initially; covering the casserole promotes even cooking while retaining moisture, which is essential for the rice to cook through without drying out.

Cooking times are also important to note. After baking covered for 20 minutes, removing the foil allows the cheese to brown and bubble beautifully in the final 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it during this last phase; you want the top to be golden and bubbly, indicating that it’s ready to be served. If your cheese doesn’t seem to melt to your liking, consider placing the casserole under the broiler for an additional minute or two; just watch carefully to prevent burning.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (12 oz) corn, drained
2 cups beef broth
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup salsa
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced tomatoes
Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish

Once you have everything, you're ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Here's how to make this flavorful casserole:

Preheat and Brown the Beef

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, rice, beef broth, and salsa. Mix thoroughly until the rice is evenly coated.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly and top with diced tomatoes and half of the shredded cheese.

Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving. Enjoy your hearty casserole!

Now you're ready to dig in!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this casserole by adding your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeños for an extra kick!

Storage and Reheating

This casserole is excellent for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to cool it completely before covering it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Reheating can be done in the microwave, but for best results, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If you're short on time, adding a splash of beef broth while reheating can help maintain moisture and prevent the rice from drying out.

If you want to freeze the casserole, it’s best to do so before baking; freeze it in an airtight container or a well-wrapped baking dish for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before following the original baking instructions. This makes it an ideal candidate for those busy weeknights when a homemade meal is still desired.

Flavor Variations

One of the great things about this Ground Beef Taco Rice Casserole is its adaptability. Feel free to customize the spices or add extra ingredients according to your taste. For a spicier version, consider including chopped jalapeños or using a spicy taco seasoning mix. Alternatively, you could swap out the black beans for pinto or kidney beans, which would provide a different texture and taste profile.

Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can be stirred into the filling before baking for a fresh flavor boost. You might also experiment with different cheese varieties; Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend would add exciting flavors while keeping it melty. Just remember to watch the baking time closely if you change the cheese type to avoid burning.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole can be prepared a day in advance. Just cover it with foil and store it in the fridge. Bake it the next day for 30-40 minutes.

→ Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian meat substitutes work perfectly in this recipe.

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Just cover it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.