Introduction:
This Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice is a delectable and hearty choice, perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your tastes. Finished with a generous layer of cheese, it offers comfort and flavor that the whole family will love.
Table of Contents
Ingredients Overview:
This hearty Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with rice combines seasoned beef with black beans, corn, and other tasty ingredients. It’s satisfying, can be customized to your taste, and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for busy nights when you want a quick, delicious meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef (73% lean) | 1 lb (450g) | Offers robust taste and juiciness. Ensure to drain any excess fat prior to use. |
| Black beans (canned) | 1 can (15 oz / 425g) | Adds texture and elevates nutritional benefits, supplying both protein and fiber. |
| Corn kernels (canned or frozen) | 1 cup | Introduces a subtly sweet and crunchy dimension to the casserole. |
| Chunky salsa | 1 cup | An essential component that enhances both juiciness and depth of flavor. |
| Shredded Mexican cheese blend | 2 cups | A mix of cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack forms a rich, creamy topping. |
| Minute rice (white) | 1 ½ cups | Fast-cooking rice that soaks up the casserole's flavors and moisture. |
| Diced white onion | 1 medium (1 cup) | Adds a rich aroma and enhances the flavor profile of the dish when sautéed. |
| Minced garlic | 2 cloves | Brings a strong, savory essence when sautéed along with onion. |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 1 cup | A flavorful liquid that not only boosts the casserole's taste but also guarantees the rice is perfectly cooked. |
| Taco seasoning (homemade) | 2 tbsp | A blend of spices that expertly balances heat and flavor, featuring cayenne, cumin, paprika, among others. |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Essential for sautéing the onion and garlic to perfection. |
| Ground black pepper | ½ tsp | As desired. |
| Salt | 1 tsp | To intensify the taste of the meat blend. |
Selecting the Best Ground Beef for an Ideal Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice:
For the best flavor, opt for 73% lean ground beef, as its higher fat content enriches the taste; just remember to drain the excess fat after cooking. If you prefer a leaner choice, consider using ground sirloin at 85% lean. For a lighter alternative, ground turkey serves as a suitable substitute.
Rice Options and Personal Preferences:
Long grain white rice is ideal for Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice because of its non-sticky, fluffy texture. Alternatively, you may opt for medium or short-grain varieties, or even jasmine or basmati rice. However, steer clear of brown rice, wild rice, or quinoa, as they necessitate different cooking techniques.
Beans: Types and Benefits:
Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice incorporates black beans due to their robust texture and rich nutritional profile. For different textures and flavors, you can swap them out for kidney beans, pinto beans, or refried beans. If beans aren’t your thing, you can simply leave them out of the dish.
Essential Mexican Spices for Perfecting Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice:
To achieve traditional Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice flavors, incorporate a mix of spices:
- Cayenne pepper (½ tsp) to add a bit of spiciness.
- Dried oregano (1.5 tbsp) to boost the overall taste.
- Ground cumin (3 tsp) to infuse a rich, grounded taste.
- Paprika (2 tsp) provides a gentle sweetness and richness. These spices serve as the foundation of the taco seasoning, with room for optional tweaks to suit your taste.
Techniques for Cooking:
Stovetop Preparation:
- Warm olive oil in a skillet set to medium heat, then add diced onion and sauté until it becomes tender.
- Combine minced garlic and ground beef in the pan. Cook until the beef is browned through, then remove and discard any excess fat.
- Season the beef mixture with taco seasoning, then stir in the rice, chicken broth, corn, salsa, and black beans.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
Instant Pot Guidance:
- Activate the sauté mode to cook the ground beef with onion until browned, then remove any excess fat.
- Mix in the taco seasoning, rice, chicken broth, salsa, corn, and black beans.
- Set the appliance to manual high pressure and cook for 5-8 minutes.
- Once cooked, top with shredded cheese (avoid melting it in the Instant Pot), and let it naturally melt.
Oven-Baked Perfection:
- Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the prepared beef mixture with rice, chicken broth, and salsa in a greased casserole dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is completely tender.
- Take off the foil and evenly distribute shredded cheese over the top. Place back in the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese is nicely melted.
Serving Suggestions for Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice:
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh garnishes like:
- Freshly chopped cilantro or sliced green onions.
- A slice of avocado or a spoonful of sour cream.
- A serving of shredded lettuce or crispy corn tortilla chips.
This dish is perfectly complemented by a fresh salad or cornbread to round out the meal.
Storage and Meal Planning:
- Refrigeration: Keep leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: The casserole stays fresh in the freezer for 2-3 months. To freeze, allow it to cool fully, wrap it securely, and place it in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Defrost the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in the oven at 350°F for approximately 20 minutes, or use the microwave in short bursts.
caloric and nutritional:
Here’s a look at the calorie count and nutritional information for the Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice:
- Every portion offers 424 calories.
- The total fat content is 20g, equating to 26% of the recommended daily intake on a 2,000 calorie diet.
- Each serving of the casserole contains 11g of saturated fat, accounting for 56% of the daily recommended intake.
- Each serving contains 36g of carbohydrates.
- Each serving provides 25g of protein, fulfilling 50% of your daily protein requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Is it possible to freeze the casserole prior to baking?
Absolutely, assemble the casserole and freeze without cheese. Add cheese when reheating. - How can I enhance its spiciness?
Incorporate additional cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or choose a hotter salsa. - Is it possible to use ground turkey or chicken instead?
Absolutely, to make a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Conclusion:
The Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice is a delicious all-in-one dish that combines seasoned beef, rice, beans, and cheese. It’s quick to prepare and easily customizable with your favorite toppings or level of spiciness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe can be made ahead of time and stored for future meals, making it a must-have for bustling families.
With its versatility and satisfying taste, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite for years to come!
