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A fork in a pile of Taco Rice Casserole, getting a bite.
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Beef Taco Rice Casserole

A cheesy, taco beef and rice casserole.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 556kcal
Author Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 ounce packet taco seasoning (see notes below)
  • water (use amount needed on back of seasoning packet instructions)
  • 2 (5.4 ounce) packets Knorr taco rice
  • 1 cup beef broth (can use low or no sodium)
  • 16 ounce jar salsa (use your favorite, see notes below)
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 2 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese
  • 15 ounce jar queso
  • fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble the 1 pound ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease, put back in the skillet then stir in the 1 ounce packet taco seasoning and water (use amount needed on back of seasoning packet instructions). Cook according to the packet instructions, then set the taco meat aside.
    Water being added to taco seasoning in a skillet.
  • In a 9x13-inch casserole dish, combine the 2 (5.4 ounce) packets Knorr taco rice, 1 cup beef broth, 16 ounce jar salsa, and 1 ½ cups water. Stir everything together until well mixed.
    Taco rice with tomatoes and broth in a baking dish.
  • Evenly sprinkle the cooked taco meat over the rice mixture, distributing it across the dish.
    Taco meat in a baking dish with rice and broth.
  • Sprinkle the 2 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese evenly over the top of the taco meat. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil.
    Shredded cheese over meat and rice in a baking dish.
  • Bake on the middle rack of the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
    A baked beef Taco Rice Casserole in a baking dish.
  • While the casserole is baking, warm the 15 ounce jar queso in the microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and pourable.
    Note: Do not warm it up with the lid on top. Cover with a paper towel and put it on a plate in case it spills over.
  • After 45 minutes, remove the foil from the casserole dish. Pour the warmed queso evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
    Queso on top of Beef Taco Rice Casserole.
  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley (optional) before serving. Enjoy!
    A spatula getting a large serving of Taco Rice Casserole from the baking dish.

Notes

  • Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
  • If you are concerned about this being too salty for your tastes, I recommend you use low or no sodium options where possible. 
  • This is a cheesy casserole. You can use less cheese and less queso to suit your tastes/preferences. It is also delicious without the added queso. 
  • It is important you use a salsa that you know you enjoy the taste of or use your favorite homemade version. It brings a lot of flavor to this dish so it's important you know that you enjoy the flavor you are using. This can add a lot of flavor and spice to this casserole if you use one you know you are going to really love. 

Nutrition

Calories: 556kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 31g | Sodium: 1852mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g
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