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A glass baking dish filled with a casserole topped with browned ground beef and melted cheese, resting on a marble countertop.

Cheesy Taco Rice & Beef Bake

This cheesy taco rice and beef bake layers seasoned ground beef, uncooked Knorr Mexican rice, salsa, bell peppers, and white queso in one baking dish for an easy taco rice casserole the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 2 Knorr Mexican Rice, uncooked 5.6 oz packets
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth
  • 1 16 oz jar salsa
  • 1 16 oz container white cheese dip/queso
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion while the beef cooks so it has time to soften. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  3. Season the beef and onion mixture with the taco seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Pour both packets of uncooked Mexican rice into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  5. Pour 1 ½ cups beef broth and the entire jar of salsa evenly over the rice.
  6. Sprinkle the diced green and red bell peppers over the top, followed by the cooked ground beef and onion mixture.
  7. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
  8. After 30 minutes, check the rice. If it’s tender and has absorbed the liquid, pour the white cheese dip evenly over the top. If the rice is still firm, cover and continue baking for a few more minutes before adding the cheese.

Notes

Serving idea: Top with sour cream, avocado, cilantro, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips for a little extra crunch.