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Beef Queso Taco Rice Casserole

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A hearty Beef Queso Taco Rice Casserole loaded with seasoned ground beef, flavorful taco rice, salsa, melted Mexican cheese, and creamy queso. An easy, cheesy dinner that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
  • water (use amount needed on back of seasoning packet instructions)
  • 2 (5.4 ounce) packets Knorr taco rice
  • 1 cup beef broth (can use low or no sodium)
  • 16 ounce jar salsa (use your favorite)
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 2 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese
  • 15 ounce jar queso
  • fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and return the beef to the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning and the amount of water called for on the seasoning packet. Cook according to the packet instructions, then set aside.
  3. In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, combine the taco rice, beef broth, salsa, and 1 ½ cups water. Stir until well mixed.
  4. Evenly sprinkle the cooked taco meat over the rice mixture.
  5. Sprinkle the Mexican blend shredded cheese evenly over the taco meat. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil.
  6. Bake on the middle rack for 45 minutes.
  7. While the casserole bakes, warm the queso in the microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth and pourable.
  8. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and pour the warmed queso evenly over the casserole. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired, and serve.

Notes

  • Use your favorite taco seasoning and prepare it with the amount of water specified on the packet.
  • Low-sodium or no-sodium beef broth can be used to reduce the sodium.
  • Choose your favorite salsa and adjust the heat level to your preference.
  • When microwaving the queso, remove the lid and cover the container with a paper towel. Place it on a plate to catch any spills.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving so it can set slightly.

Nutrition