Description
Cowboy rice casserole brings hearty southwestern comfort straight to dinner tables with bold, zesty flavors. Rustic ingredients and simple preparation make this one-pan meal a quick solution for hungry families craving authentic ranch-style cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 can black beans
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion
- 2 bell peppers
- 3 cloves garlic
Seasoning and Liquid:
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2.5 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Cheese and Toppings:
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Optional Garnish:
- 2 green onions
- 1 jalapeño pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and position a large cast-iron skillet for comprehensive cooking.
- Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic in the skillet until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Introduce ground beef to the vegetable mixture, browning thoroughly and breaking into small crumbles, ensuring complete cooking and rich caramelization.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper over the meat, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly and develop deep flavor profiles.
- Add long-grain white rice directly into the skillet, stirring to coat each grain with the seasoned meat mixture and toast slightly.
- Pour beef broth and diced tomatoes into the skillet, incorporating corn kernels and black beans, creating a robust and hearty mixture.
- Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing rice to partially absorb liquid and ingredients to meld together harmoniously.
- Distribute shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the skillet mixture, creating a melting blanket of cheesy goodness.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and casserole to set.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and optional diced jalapeños for a fresh, zesty finishing touch.
- Serve hot directly from the skillet, offering a rustic and comforting cowboy-style meal.
Notes
- Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned to develop rich, caramelized flavors and eliminate any potential foodborne risks.
- Consider using lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content while maintaining the dish’s hearty texture and taste.
- Swap white rice with brown rice for added fiber and nutritional value, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly.
- Experiment with plant-based ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian version that maintains the original dish’s robust flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg