Creating this Cheesy Taco Rice Bake is incredibly straightforward, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions and get ready to enjoy a taco fiesta in a baking dish!

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onions:

Begin by placing a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, until it is browned and no longer pink. As the beef cooks, drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily. Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté the onion with the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes softened and translucent. This step is crucial for building flavor, as the onions release their natural sugars and aromatics as they cook alongside the beef. Don’t rush this step – allowing the onions to soften properly will enhance the overall taste of the bake.

Step 2: Season the Beefy Base:

Now it’s time to infuse our beef and onion mixture with that signature taco flavor! Sprinkle the packet of taco seasoning over the browned beef and onions in the skillet. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed and coats all of the beef and onions. Continue to cook for another minute or two, allowing the spices to bloom and release their full aroma. This brief cooking time helps to deepen the flavor of the taco seasoning. Next, pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained) and the water or beef broth. Stir everything together to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – these browned bits are packed with flavor and will add depth to the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 3: Assemble the Taco Rice Bake:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, it’s time to assemble our taco rice bake. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, corn kernels, and rinsed and drained black beans. Gently stir these ingredients together until they are well mixed. Next, add the beef and tomato mixture from the skillet to the bowl with the rice, corn, and beans. Stir everything together thoroughly until all of the ingredients are evenly combined and the rice mixture is coated in the flavorful beef sauce. This ensures that every bite of the bake will be packed with delicious taco flavor.

Step 4: Cheese it Up!

Pour the taco rice mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish to create a uniform bake. Now for the best part – the cheese! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the taco rice mixture in the baking dish. Then, sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the cheddar cheese. The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack creates a perfect balance of flavor and meltiness, but feel free to adjust the cheese types to your preference. Make sure to distribute the cheese evenly so that every portion of the bake gets a generous cheesy topping.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is beautifully melted and starting to brown, and the bake is heated through and bubbly around the edges. Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let the Cheesy Taco Rice Bake rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the bake to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Now comes the most rewarding part – serving and enjoying your delicious Cheesy Taco Rice Bake! Serve it hot, straight from the oven, with your favorite taco toppings. Some popular topping options include sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and crushed tortilla chips. Let everyone customize their own servings with their preferred toppings. This bake is perfect for a weeknight dinner, potlucks, or casual gatherings. Enjoy the satisfying flavors and cheesy goodness of your homemade Cheesy Taco Rice Bake!