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Mexican Rice Casserole
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Mexican Rice Casserole

Course Main
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8
Author Pam - For the Love of Cooking

Equipment

  • Large 9x13-Inch Baking Dish
  • Large saucepan
  • Large skillet

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups of white rice prepared per instructions
  • 2 tsp of olive oil
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • ½ yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves of garlic minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp dried cumin
  • 1 tsp dried coriander
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½-1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes to taste
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
  • 1 15-oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15-oz can of tomato sauce, or 2 (7-oz) cans of Mexican spicy tomato sauce
  • 3-4 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped (divided)
  • 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 tomatoes sliced thickly

Serving:

  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Hot sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil cooking spray
  • Prepare rice in a large saucepan according to the package instructions.
  • Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the ground beef, breaking it up into crumbles, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the diced onion and all of the seasonings. Cook, stirring often, for  10 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and the onion is tender.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly for an additional 60 seconds.
  • Add the cooked rice, drained and rinsed black beans, tomato sauce, and half of the cilantro (reserving the other half for garnishing) to the beef and onion mixture. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, taste, and re-season if needed.
  • Coat a large baking dish with cooking spray and pour the rice mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Place the tomato slices on top of the rice mixture, then top with cheddar cheese.
  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let sit for 7-10 minutes before slicing.
  • Top with a dollop of sour cream and the remaining chopped cilantro. Enjoy.