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As the sun dipped below the horizon and the aroma of spices began to fill my kitchen, I couldn’t help but smile. Tuesday nights have become taco nights in our household, a cherished tradition that started as a way to bring the family together around the dinner table. Each week, we would dive into a vibrant spread of tacos, filled with seasoned meats, fresh vegetables, and a variety of toppings. However, as much as we love traditional tacos, I wanted to shake things up a bit and introduce something new to our taco night repertoire. That's when the idea for my Taco Explosion Rice Casserole was born.

Loaded Taco Rice Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Taco Explosion Rice Casserole! Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish combines all your favorite taco flavors with the hearty richness of a rice casserole. Featuring seasoned ground meat, colorful veggies, and plenty of melted cheese, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy to customize for different tastes, this flavorful casserole is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Dive into the deliciousness today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked jasmine rice

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 packet taco seasoning

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 cup salsa

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)

1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)

1/4 cup chopped green onions

1/4 cup sour cream (for topping)

Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Tortilla chips, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned, making sure to break it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

      Season the Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning according to package instructions, adding a splash of water if needed to help the seasoning distribute evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

        Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, seasoned meat, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juices), salsa, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

          Add Bell Peppers: Gently fold in the diced bell peppers until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

            Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch (3L) baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.

              Top with Cheese and Olives: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, followed by the sliced black olives if using.

                Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                  Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top with chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve with tortilla chips on the side for extra crunch.

                    Enjoy: Dig into your Loaded Taco Rice Casserole and savor the explosion of flavors and textures!

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | 6-8 servings