Taco casserole

Looking for a crowd-pleasing casserole for your next party? Give this cheesy rice and ground beef taco casserole a try! It's easy to make and can be prepared up to two days in advance. Simply refrigerate, cover tightly with aluminum foil until your guests arrive, then bake in the oven. I recommend using scoopable corn or tortilla chips for added crunch. This recipe serves 8 to 10 people. If you've got any food left, it's best to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for up to three days.

Ingredients:

2 cups of rice

2 cups of water

2 cans of condensed cheddar cheese soup

1 pound of ground beef

1 bag of frozen corn

1 package of taco seasoning

1 can of diced tomatoes with chiles or just use diced tomatoes

1 can of black olives {optional}

1/2 jar of green olives { optional}

1 can of pinto or kidney beans {drained}

1 cup or more of mexican blend of cheddar cheese { depending how cheesy you want it}😋

1 or 2 bags of scoopable chips or tortilla chips

guacamole or sour cream for topping on your plate

Taco casserole for you next super bowl or gatheringPhoto byFreepik

Ready to make?

For perfectly cooked rice, use one cup of rice for every cup of water. A rice cooker, which costs around $20, is the tool I prefer for this task. If you frequently eat rice, I would suggest investing in a rice cooker.

After cooking the rice, mix in the cheese soup until it is fully incorporated. Transfer the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Then, set it aside.

To make the beef mixture for your casserole, brown ground beef in a frying pan over medium heat. Break it into small chunks as it cooks, making sure not to overdo it. Add your taco seasoning and cook for about a minute. Mix in chopped tomatoes and a can of beans (with the juice), and cook for about two more minutes until the beans have absorbed some of the spices and juices. Pour the beef mixture over a layer of rice and spread it evenly. Top with Mexican cheddar cheese and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling. If you like it spicy, feel free to add jalapeno peppers into the recipe. Alternatively, you can serve them on the side so your guests can add them to their plates. Enjoy!

SMILE .... and give someone a hug 🤗