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Delicious Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice in a bowl, topped with melted cheese and green onions

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice

This Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice is a time-saving, one-pot dish that delivers bold Tex-Mex flavors and is sure to please the entire family. Packed with savory ingredients, it's an easy ground beef casserole that makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 500g (1 lb) ground beef (lean)
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 1 1/4 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2.5 cups (625 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 400g (14oz) can of corn, drained
  • 400g (14oz) can black beans, drained
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup green onions, sliced
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works great)
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1.5 tbsp dried oregano
  • 3 tsp cumin
  • 3 tsp coriander
  • 3 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1.5 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 1 1/2 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  2. Add 500g (1 lb) ground beef and cook, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon, until no pink remains (about 2 minutes).
  3. Sprinkle in 1.5 tbsp dried oregano, 3 tsp each of cumin, coriander, and onion powder, 2 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper. Stir well and cook for another 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  4. Mix in 1/3 cup tomato paste and 2.5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Add 1 1/4 cups long-grain white rice, 1 can of corn (drained), and 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained). Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
  7. Remove the lid and quickly stir in 1 cup of sliced green onions and half of the shredded cheese.
  8. Smooth the top of the casserole, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and cover for an additional minute to let the cheese melt.
  9. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra green onions if desired.

Notes

Pro Tip: If your pot tends to stick, add a drizzle of extra olive oil or use a non-stick coating for easier cleanup.