Beef Taco Casserole

This Beef Taco Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together. Combining ground beef with colorful peppers, a zesty tomato soup, and seasoned rice, it’s a one-pan meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. The addition of cheese on top adds a delicious, melted finish to the casserole, making it a comforting choice for any meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to be a hit!

Beef Taco Casserole

Ingredients

° 1 pound lean ground beef

° 1 red pepper cut into pieces

° 1 green pepper, cut into pieces

° 1 can of CAMPBELL’S® Condensed Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

° 1 3/4 cup water

° 1 c. to s. chili powder

° 2 tbsp. in t. onion powder

° 1 1/2 cups uncooked instant rice

° 1 cup frozen corn

° 1/2 cup of shredded Tex-Mex cheese mix

Preparation :

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Shred the meat in the skillet. Add red and green peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, for 8 minutes or until meat is fully cooked; Fat drain.

Add the soup, water, chili powder, onion powder and stir. The mixture is boiled.

Add rice and corn and stir. cover, cover. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes or until rice is tender.

Sprinkle with cheese, cover and remove from heat. Leave it for 5 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the cheese has melted.

Enjoy !

Notes:

Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef helps reduce the amount of fat in the dish, but you can use regular ground beef if you prefer a richer flavor. Just be sure to drain the fat after cooking.

Pepper Variations: Feel free to use other colors of bell peppers or a mix for added sweetness and visual appeal.

Soup Choice: CAMPBELL’S® Condensed Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup is used for its depth of flavor, but you can substitute with another tomato-based soup if needed.

Rice: Instant rice is recommended for its quick cooking time, but you can use regular rice if you adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat if desired.

Cheese Options: Tex-Mex cheese mix is used for a blend of flavors, but you can substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any cheese of your choice.

Cooking Time: Ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender before serving. If the casserole looks too dry, you can add a little more water or broth.

Freezing and Storage: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well; just cool completely before freezing and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Toppings: Consider adding your favorite taco toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or chopped cilantro, when serving.

Serving Size: This recipe serves about 4-6 people. Adjust quantities if serving a larger crowd or if you want leftovers.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.

Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed and drain any excess fat.

What can I use if I don’t have CAMPBELL’S® Condensed Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup?

You can use any tomato-based soup or even a can of crushed tomatoes.

For added flavor, consider mixing in some roasted red peppers or a dash of paprika.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance.

Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it.

When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and then bake as directed.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can use a meat substitute, like lentils or a plant-based ground meat, and omit the beef.

Ensure the cheese used is vegetarian-friendly if needed.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months.

Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I use brown rice instead of instant rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.

Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to simmer the casserole longer to ensure the rice is tender.

What can I use if I don’t have frozen corn?

You can use fresh corn, canned corn (drained), or even a different vegetable like peas or beans if you prefer.

How do I make this casserole spicier?

Increase the amount of chili powder or add some hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or cayenne pepper to the mixture to give it extra heat.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the Tex-Mex cheese mix with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any cheese of your choice.

Adjust the amount based on how cheesy you want the casserole.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the rice is tender and the cheese is melted.

You may need to let it sit covered for a few minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.

If the rice is still crunchy, you can add a bit more water and simmer until cooked.