Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Recipe
I love one-pot recipes. I want to be relaxing on the couch after dinner not doing endless dinner dishes. This skillet Mexican ground beef casserole recipe is easy, hearty, and packed with flavor and texture from the taco-seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, salsa, tomatoes, corn, rice, cilantro, and cheese. Comfort food at its finest. This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole has all the ingredients you’d find in a burrito, minus the wrap, and made in a skillet. Anything with Mexican inspired flavors is a hit in our house. You could incorporate black beans, top with avocado, guacamole, or sour cream. Get creative with your favorite Mexican ingredients. This was great the day I made it but the flavors married over time and the leftovers were great. They heated up beautifully in the days to follow.
What’s in Mexican Ground Beef and Rice?
To make this cheesy hamburger and rice recipe, you’ll need:
Olive oil Ground beef Yellow onion Taco seasoning Petite diced tomatoes Salsa Water Long grain rice Corn Shredded Mexican cheese blend Fresh cilantro
How to Make Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Add the onion and ground beef to an oiled skillet and cook until the meat is browned. Add the taco seasoning, tomatoes, salsa, water, rice, and some black pepper. Cover the skillet and allow the mixture to simmer until the rice is tender and cooked through. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the corn and sprinkle with cheese. Garnish with cilantro and any additional toppings just before serving.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead?
I don’t see why not! This Mexican ground beef and rice recipe can easily be made with ground pork, chicken, or turkey instead.
Should I Use White or Brown Rice?
I used long grain white rice since it cooks in under 30 minutes, but you can use any rice you’d like. Just keep in mind that brown rice will take longer to become tender.
Tips for Making Mexican Ground Beef and Rice
I used no salt-added tomatoes, medium heat salsa, and medium reduced-sodium taco seasoning. Go as mild or hot as you like. Once the rice has been added to the skillet, resist the urge to remove the lid to see if the rice is cooked through. The more you remove the lid, the longer it’ll take for everything to cook. Note that this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole freezes incredibly well. Let frozen leftovers thaw before reheating.
More Mexican Ground Beef Recipes:
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