Cheesy Taco Rice Casserole: A One-Pan Family Favorite

If you love tacos and casseroles, why not combine them into one easy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful dish? This Taco Rice Casserole is everything you want in a hearty, comforting meal—seasoned ground beef, tender rice, spicy green chilies, melty cheese, and a rich tomato base. All baked together in one pan, it’s easy to make, full of bold Tex-Mex flavors, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Whether you’re making it for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a casual gathering, this casserole is sure to be a go-to recipe that everyone will love. Top it with your favorite taco toppings, and you’ve got a dish that’s both satisfying and customizable!

Why This Recipe Works

  • One Pan, No Hassle – Everything cooks in one skillet and one baking dish for easy cleanup.
  • Loaded with Tex-Mex Flavor – The spices, green chilies, and tomatoes give this dish an authentic taco taste.
  • Super Cheesy and Hearty – The combination of beef, rice, and melty cheese makes it incredibly satisfying.
  • Easily Customizable – Swap the protein, cheese, or toppings to make it your own.
  • Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 6-8 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 60 minutes)

For the Casserole:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ¼ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies
  • 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (or cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Sour cream
  • Avocado or guacamole
  • Chopped fresh cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep the Baking Dish

preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Brown the Beef & Onion

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I cook the ground beef and diced onion for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked.

drain any excess grease, then add the minced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the Seasonings

To build deep, taco-inspired flavor, I sprinkle in:

  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Smoked paprika
  • Oregano
  • Salt & black pepper

stir well and cook for 1 more minute to let the spices bloom.

4. Stir in the Rice, Tomatoes & Broth

Next, I mix in the:

  • Uncooked long-grain white rice
  • Diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • Green chilies
  • Beef broth

I stir everything together to combine the flavors evenly.

5. Transfer to the Baking Dish & Bake

carefully pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, making sure the rice is evenly distributed.

cover tightly with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

6. Add the Cheese & Finish Baking

Once the rice is fully cooked, I remove the foil, fluff the rice with a fork, and sprinkle shredded cheese all over the top.

I return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, for 8-10 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Rest & Serve

I let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and develop.

I love loading it up with taco toppings like:

  • Shredded lettuce
  • A dollop of sour cream
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Avocado slices or guacamole

Then, I dig in and enjoy the perfectly cheesy, flavorful bite!

Pro Tips for the Best Taco Rice Casserole

  • Use the Right Rice – Long-grain white rice works best because it absorbs the liquid while staying fluffy. Avoid instant rice—it will turn mushy.
  • Let the Casserole Rest – Giving it 5 minutes to sit after baking helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
  • Spice it Up! – If you love heat, add extra cayenne, jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce.
  • Make it Extra Cheesy – Stir 1/2 cup of cheese into the rice mixture before baking for even more melty goodness.
  • Customize the Protein – Swap out ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian twist!

What to Serve with Taco Rice Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but I love serving it with:

  • Warm Flour or Corn Tortillas – For scooping up all the cheesy goodness!
  • Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – The perfect sweet and smoky contrast.
  • Black Beans or Refried Beans – A hearty and delicious side.
  • A Simple Side Salad – A crisp salad with a lime vinaigrette balances the richness.

FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble everything up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Let the casserole cool completely, then store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.

Q: What if my rice isn’t fully cooked?
A: If the rice is still firm, add ¼ cup of broth, cover with foil, and bake for another 10 minutes until tender.

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white?
A: Yes, but increase the broth to 4 cups and extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Taco Rice Casserole

This Taco Rice Casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner—easy to make, full of bold flavors, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers taco-inspired flavors in a warm, cheesy, and satisfying bake.

Whether you’re making it for meal prep, a casual family dinner, or a potluck dish, this casserole is always a winner!

Try it out and let me know how it turns out! Do you have any favorite toppings or twists on taco rice? Drop your ideas in the comments!

Cheesy Taco Rice Casserole: A One-Pan Family Favorite

Cheesy Taco Rice Casserole: A One-Pan Family Favorite

If you love tacos and casseroles, why not combine them into one easy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful dish? This Taco Rice Casserole is everything you want in a hearty, comforting meal—seasoned ground beef, tender rice, spicy green chilies, melty cheese, and a rich tomato base. All baked together in one pan, it’s easy to make, full of bold Tex-Mex flavors, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
By Jason GriffithPublished on March 12, 2025
Prep Time10 min
Cook Time20 min
Total Time30 min
Servings6-8 servings
Category: Casserole
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish)
  • Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, rice, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
  6. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted and mixed through.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with sour cream if desired.

Nutrition Information

@type: NutritionInformation
Calories: 450 calories
Protein Content: 30g
Carbohydrate Content: 40g
Fat Content: 20g
Tags: taco casserole, one-pan meal, Mexican casserole, easy dinner, family-friendly recipe