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Easy Taco Rice Bake photo

Taco Rice Bake

This Taco Rice Bake is a deliciously comforting casserole packed with all your favorite taco flavors!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bake:
  • 2 cups instant white rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 can Ranch Style beans 15-oz
  • 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes 10-oz
  • 2 tsp dried minced onion flakes
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 package taco seasoning 1-oz
  • 1 can unsalted cream of chicken soup 10.5-oz
  • ½ cup water for the soup

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 2 cups of instant white rice, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the water and fluff up.
  2. While the rice is resting, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the pound of lean ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
  3. Once the beef is browned, stir in the taco seasoning, dried minced onion flakes, Ranch Style beans, and Ro-tel tomatoes. Mix well to combine all the flavors, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, beef mixture, cream of chicken soup, and ½ cup of water. Stir until everything is well mixed. You should have a creamy, hearty mixture.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the rice and beef mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly across the surface.
  6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil, add the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils.
  • Use brown rice for a whole grain option, adjusting water and cooking time.
  • Taco Rice Bake freezes beautifully; cool completely before freezing.