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Irresistibly Cheesy Texas Rice Casserole You'll Crave

Texas Rice

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A comforting blend of flavors in this Texas Rice Casserole featuring savory ground beef and gooey cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1 cup Uncooked Long Grain White Rice
  • 6 slices Bacon
  • 1 pound Ground Beef
  • 1 Onion (Chopped)
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper (Chopped)
  • 1 can RO*TEL Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
  • Optional Vegetables (e.g., corn or green beans)
  • Optional Spices (jalapeños or hot sauce)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
  2. Prepare the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of uncooked long grain white rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
  3. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add the rinsed rice. Cover and reduce the heat to low for 20 minutes.
  4. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook 6 slices of raw bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, sauté 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped green bell pepper over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
  6. Brown the Ground Beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet, season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and cook until browned.
  7. Combine the Ingredients: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked rice, beef mixture, crumbled bacon, and 1 can of RO*TEL diced tomatoes. Stir well.
  8. Add the Cheese: Top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese.
  9. Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Rinse the Rice: Thoroughly rinse your uncooked long grain white rice to prevent stickiness.
  • Cheese Matters: Buy block cheeses and shred them for better melting quality.
  • Season Appropriately: Don’t hesitate to add spices for extra flavor.
  • Customize Your Veggies: Add your favorite vegetables for nutrition and flavor.
  • Watch the Bake Time: Cover with foil initially to keep moisture in.
  • Serve it Right: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to set.

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