If you're in search of a quick and satisfying meal that brings the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your dinner table, look no further than the Taco Rice A Roni Casserole! This delightful dish combines the heartiness of ground beef, the zest of taco seasoning, and the comforting texture of Rice A Roni, all topped off with gooey, melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this casserole is not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ready to dive into a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box of Rice A Roni (Spanish Rice)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup salsa
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet to ensure the casserole isn't too oily.
- Add the packet of taco seasoning to the cooked beef, stirring well to combine. Follow the instructions on the seasoning packet for any additional water needed, typically around 1 cup. Mix thoroughly.
- Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the cup of salsa into the beef mixture. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- In a separate pot, prepare the Rice A Roni according to the package instructions. This usually involves adding the rice mix and seasoning to a pot with water and bringing it to a boil, then simmering until the rice is tender.
- Once the Rice A Roni is cooked, combine it with the beef and tomato mixture in the skillet. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Taco Rice A Roni Casserole hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, chopped green onions, or additional salsa if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy nights, consider browning the ground beef and preparing the Rice A Roni in advance. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the casserole.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to the beef mixture! Black beans, corn, or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and add extra nutrition.
- Cheese Choices: While shredded cheese is a must, experiment with different varieties such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or a blend of cheeses for a richer taste.
- Toppings Galore: Don’t forget to get creative with your toppings! Sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or jalapeños can elevate your casserole even further.
- Leftover Magic: This casserole makes for great leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge, and simply reheat in the oven or microwave for a delicious meal the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 75mg
