Mexican Ground Beef and Rice Cassarole

Mexican Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This is one popular dish which is simply adored by people from two ... or more countries. As far as the origin goes, it is difficult to pin point whether it originated in Texas, USA or Mexico itself. Or does it really matter? Not to me at least. As long as the food is yum and that too a bowl full of ground beef, rice and cheese, to me all that matters is how soon I can polish off that bowl. Those friends out there have a feeling just like me, this food is surely for you. So right away roll up your sleeves and start cooking this dish. I am sure you'll love it.

Preparation Time  : 20 minutes
Cooking Time       : 45 minutes
Difficulty               :  Easy
Serves                   :  4 - 6

Ingredients :

• 450 grams Ground Beef (you can also use Lamb or Mutton Mince) 
• 1 small Onion, chopped
• 1 -2 tablespoon fresh minced Garlic
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 -2 Jalapeno Pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1  package Taco Seasoning Mix (can use more to taste)
(to prepare, see Note)
• 1 1/2 cups Chicken Broth (you can use water, or broth powder in water)
• 1 small Zucchini, diced (about 4 cups)
• 1 400 grams can Stewed Tomatoes (or Blanch, Peel and Chop, fresh Tomatoes) 
• 1 1/2 cups Frozen Corn or 1 1/2 cups Peas (you can also use fresh ones) 
• 1 1/2 cups instant Minute Rice (if you don't get Minute Rice, use any quick cooking rice, pre washed and soaked for 20 minutes)
• 1 -2 teaspoon Salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground Black Pepper, or to taste
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided 

Method :

  1) In a medium 4-quart heavy pot over medium heat cook the ground beef till it is completely browned.

 

  2) Add onion, garlic, bell pepper and jalapeno pepper and cook till the veggies get softened. 

 

  3) Now drain the fat completely.

 

  4) Add in the taco seasoning mix with a wooden spoon until well combined.

 

  5) Add in all remaining ingredients ( Zucchini, Rice, Tomatoes, Corn and Chicken broth) except the cheese; stir with a wooden spoon to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

 

  6) Once it starts to simmer, reduce heat to medium-low or low.

 

  7) Cover and simmer for 25 minutes or until the rice is tender.

 

  8) Season with seasoned salt and pepper. Check the seasoning and adjust if required.

 

  9) Pour the Beef and Rice Casserole on a serving dish and mix half of the cheese.

 

  10) Sprinkle rest of the cheese on top of the dish and let stand for 5 minutes until melted.

 

  11) Serve this wonderful one pot meal with some Guacamole and/or Salsa.

 

 

Note

For Taco Seasoning :

1 tablespoon Chili powder

1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder   

1/4 teaspoon Onion powder

1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon Dried Oregano

1/2 teaspoon Paprika

1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cumin

1 teaspoon Sea Salt (you can also use normal salt)

1 teaspoon Black Pepper

 

In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Store in an airtight container.