1 ½cupsshredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
¼cupchopped fresh cilantrooptional, for garnish
Sour cream and sliced jalapeñosoptional, for serving
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray.
Cook the Meat:In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or ground turkey over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Add Vegetables:Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Combine Ingredients:Stir in the uncooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, and taco seasoning. Mix well to combine.
Transfer to Baking Dish:Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake:Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.After 30 minutes, remove the foil, stir the casserole, and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the rice is cooked through.
Garnish and Serve:Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve with sour cream and sliced jalapeños on the side for added flavor.
Notes
Tips for Perfecting Your Casserole
To achieve the perfect Mexican rice casserole, choose high-quality ingredients, season generously with spices, and follow the layering and baking instructions closely.Avoid overcooking the rice or drying out the dish - balance is key!