Ground beef, rice, beans, and cheddar baked in bold Tex-Mex tomato sauce. Easy comfort food for busy nights.
# Components:
→ Proteins
01 - 1 pound lean ground beef
02 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Grains
06 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
→ Sauces & Liquids
07 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
08 - 1 cup beef broth
09 - 0.5 cup tomato sauce
→ Dairy
10 - 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
16 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
→ Garnishes (optional)
17 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Sliced jalapeños
19 - Sour cream
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Cook ground beef until evenly browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat if present.
03 - Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables soften.
04 - Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the beef and vegetables. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until aromatics bloom.
05 - Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine.
06 - Fold in black beans and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
07 - Transfer mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread into an even layer.
08 - Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
09 - Remove foil, sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the rice is tender.
10 - Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and sour cream as desired.
