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Cheesy One-Skillet Ground Beef Taco Rice Casserole

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A quick and easy one-skillet casserole combining seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup (200 g) uncooked white long grain rice
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 can (10 oz / 280 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 1½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: black beans (rinsed and drained), corn kernels, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
  2. Add 1 pound ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Remove excess fat if needed, then add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until onions turn translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well to coat.
  5. Pour in 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies and stir to combine. Let simmer gently for 2 minutes.
  6. Stir in 1 cup uncooked white long grain rice evenly into the skillet.
  7. Pour 2 cups beef broth over the mixture and stir, scraping any browned bits from the skillet bottom.
  8. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid or foil. Let simmer undisturbed for 20 minutes.
  9. After 20 minutes, lift the lid carefully. Check if rice is tender and liquid mostly absorbed. If needed, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
  10. Sprinkle 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover again and turn off heat, letting cheese melt from residual warmth for 5 minutes.
  11. Fluff casserole gently with a fork and serve. Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or sour cream.

Notes

If rice is still firm but liquid is gone, add a splash more broth or water and cover again. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water to keep rice moist. For a crispy cheese crust, broil casserole 1-2 minutes after adding cheese, watching closely to avoid burning. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and vegetable broth. For gluten-free, ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy casserole, ground beef, taco rice casserole, one skillet meal, quick dinner, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/cheesy-one-skillet-ground-beef-taco-rice-casserole-easy-recipe-for-quick-dinner/