Cowboy Rice Casserole

Cowboy Rice Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. Packed with seasoned ground beef, savory rice, sweet corn, and melty cheese, this one-dish wonder delivers bold, Tex-Mex inspired flavor in every bite. It’s comforting, filling, and super easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the definition of comfort food—rich, cheesy, and full of satisfying textures. It’s a complete meal in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients like beans, peppers, or different meats. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving a family dinner, it’s a dependable crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1½ cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, cooked rice, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
5. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
7. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
• Add Beans: Mix in black beans or pinto beans for added protein and texture.
• Change the Meat: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, sausage, or a plant-based alternative.
• Cheese Options: Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend instead of cheddar.
• Vegetable Boost: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to increase the veggie content.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze tightly covered for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use instant rice?

Yes, just be sure it’s fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and skip the meat entirely.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish or divide into two pans if feeding a big group or meal prepping.

What sides go well with this casserole?

It pairs well with a green salad, tortilla chips, guacamole, or roasted veggies.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if all canned ingredients (like tomatoes and corn) are certified gluten-free.

Can I cook it all in one skillet?

Yes, if your skillet is oven-safe, you can assemble and bake it directly in the skillet.

How do I make it creamier?

Add more sour cream or mix in a bit of cream cheese for extra richness.

Can I use leftover rice?

Definitely—this recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked rice.

How long will leftovers last?

Stored properly in the fridge, leftovers will last up to 4 days and still taste great when reheated.

Conclusion

Cowboy Rice Casserole is a flavorful, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal that brings comfort food to the next level. With its Tex-Mex flair, cheesy layers, and simple prep, it’s destined to become a regular on your dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or freezing for later, this casserole is as practical as it is delicious.

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