If you’ve ever spent an ungodly amount of time trying to get your kids to eat something that isn’t chicken nuggets or mac and cheese, then buckle up, my friend, because Taco Rice Casserole Recipe is about to save your sanity.
Is this our favorite recipe? NO! Is it our kids? Yes. So if you are ready to throw in the towel this evening for family dinner and eat something a little less sophisticated with the upside of no soundtrack of whining then this is a good go to. It’s cheesy, it’s meaty, it’s got chips, and yes—it’s customizable. So your picky eaters can pretend they're in charge of dinner, while you sit back and revel in your genius.
Why Our Kids Love This Taco Ricce Casserole Recipe (And Yours Will, Too)
The magic of this casserole is that everyone gets to play chef. Hot sauce for the spice warriors? Check. Sour cream for those who can’t handle the heat? Yep. Cilantro for the kids who like to pretend they’re eating "adult food"? Why not. It's basically like giving your kids a Taco Tuesday buffet without the extra effort.
Not to mention, it's loaded with stuff like black beans and corn, so when they ask for seconds (and trust me, they will), you can pat yourself on the back for sneaking in some veggies. Plus, there’s chips involved. When was the last time your kid resisted something topped with chips?
Here’s What You’ll Need:
1 lb ground beef (or turkey if you’re feeling virtuous)
1 small onion, diced
1 packet taco seasoning (get the gluten-free kind, no one needs taco drama)
1 cup salsa (chunky if you know what’s good for you)
1 cup frozen corn
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups cooked white or brown rice (we don't judge here)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup sour cream (optional, but really, is it optional?)
Tortilla chips (not optional, seriously)
Fresh cilantro (optional for that fake health halo)
How to Make It:
Preheat your oven to 400 °F because we’re about to make some magic.
In a skillet, brown your ground beef (or turkey) with the diced onion. Once it's nice and cooked through, toss in your taco seasoning. Give it a good stir to coat everything.
Add in your salsa, frozen corn, and black beans. Let it cook for another couple minutes until it's all heated through and smelling like a fiesta.
Stir in your cooked rice, then remove from heat and add 1 cup of the shredded cheese and the sour cream. Feel that creamy goodness take over.
Dump the whole glorious mixture into an 8-cup casserole dish, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, and throw some tortilla chips over it like you’re decorating the best taco Christmas tree.
Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the chips are golden and crispy. Resist the urge to dive in immediately.
Serve with hot sauce, more sour cream, and fresh cilantro if you’re feeling fancy—or just let everyone grab a spoon and start customizing.
The Secret to Success
Here's the real reason this dish is a family favorite: it’s flexible. Not flexible like yoga (because let’s be honest, we aren’t doing that), but flexible in that you can mix and match the toppings however you like. Want to add some guac? Do it. Think some extra jalapeños would spice things up? Go for it. This dish is an open canvas for your creative (and slightly chaotic) dinner spirit.
Plus, you only dirty up one dish—maybe two if you count the skillet—and that’s a win for any busy weeknight. It’s easy to make ahead, and it heats up like a dream for leftovers (assuming there are any leftovers).
Pro Tip: Leftover Game Strong
Speaking of leftovers, this casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be made ahead and frozen for even longer. Just slap airtight lids on your 8-cup containers, defrost bake it in the oven whenever you’re craving that taco goodness.
Final Thoughts: Dinner Hero Status = Unlocked
If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight meal that the kids will actually ask for (and ask for seconds), look no further than this Taco Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s gluten-free, it's easy, and it’s customizable enough to keep the whole family happy—even that one kid.
So grab your tortilla chips, fire up the oven, and get ready to be crowned the taco master of your household.
Want to Keep the Family Friendly Vibe Going?
Our Herby Gluten Free Roast Chicken Recipe is another option that keeps things calm in the complaints department. Same goes for our Gluten Free Chicken Parm Recipe, served with a squiggly pile of spaghetti or this Baked Gluten Free Breaded Cod that is basically a fancy fish stick in disguise..
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