Cheesy Tex-Mex Rice Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Cheesy Tex-Mex Rice Bake is a go-to option for busy nights when you want something delicious and filling. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry, and is a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids. The combination of seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, and melty cheese provides a great balance of flavors and textures, making each bite comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great meal to prep ahead of time, ensuring you’ll have dinner ready to go for a couple of days.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 box of Rice-A-Roni Spanish rice
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Cumin, to taste

Directions

1. Start by preparing the Rice-A-Roni Spanish rice according to the instructions on the box. Set it aside once it’s ready.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the chopped onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
4. Stir in the can of Rotel (with juices), cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
5. Add the prepared Rice-A-Roni to the skillet and mix everything together until evenly distributed.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
7. Top the mixture with a generous amount of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
8. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Add more veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like corn, zucchini, or black beans to boost the dish’s nutritional value.
• Spicy twist: For a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños or a can of diced green chilies along with the Rotel.
• Use ground turkey or chicken: For a leaner option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Vegetarian version: Omit the meat and replace it with a combination of beans (like black beans or kidney beans) and extra vegetables for a delicious vegetarian bake.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. If reheating in the oven, you may want to cover it with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of rice instead of Rice-A-Roni?

Yes, you can use any Spanish-style rice or plain white rice. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, you can add diced jalapeños, extra cumin, or hot sauce to the meat and veggie mixture before baking.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you cook it.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.

5. Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, you can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor.

6. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Omit the ground beef and add beans like black beans or pinto beans, along with extra vegetables such as corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.

7. What other vegetables can I add to this dish?

You can add diced tomatoes, corn, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the dish for more variety and texture.

8. Can I use cooked ground beef leftovers in this recipe?

Yes, leftover cooked ground beef works perfectly in this dish. Just skip the browning step and add it directly to the skillet with the vegetables.

9. Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, this dish is a great choice for kids. The mild flavors and melty cheese make it easy for even picky eaters to enjoy.

10. Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Tex-Mex Rice Bake is a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that combines the flavors of seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, and melted cheese in a satisfying, budget-friendly meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and makes excellent leftovers. With endless variations to suit your tastes, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!