Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole – Budget-Friendly Family Favorite
This Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and family-approved dinner that’s easy on your wallet and big on comfort. Made with simple pantry ingredients like ground beef, rice, beans, and cheese, it’s a one-dish wonder that costs under $12 to make and easily feeds a family of four — with leftovers to spare! 🌮🍚🧀
It’s the perfect weeknight meal: quick to prep, full of protein, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavor. Even picky eaters love it!
Ingredients
- 1 lb hamburger meat (93% lean) – $5.15
- 1 onion, chopped – about $1
- Garlic, to taste (recipe calls for 4 cloves)
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, rinsed and drained – $0.54
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained – $0.74
- 14 oz salsa (or 1 can diced tomatoes + leftover salsa) – $0.74
- 1 cup Minute Rice – less than $1
- 1½ cups chicken broth – less than $1
- 2 cups shredded cheese (divided) – about $2.70
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Total Cost: Approximately $12, serving 4–6 people generously.
