Cajun Beef and Wild Rice Bake

A hearty Cajun-inspired ground beef and wild rice casserole baked with black beans, tomatoes, and melty cheddar cheese for a flavorful, comforting meal.

This hearty Cajun-inspired casserole combines tender wild rice, seasoned ground beef, black beans, and diced tomatoes with a colorful mix of peppers, onions, and garlic for a flavorful base. Bold spices like smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and Cajun seasoning give it a rich, zesty kick, while a touch of hot sauce adds heat to taste. Baked under a golden layer of melted cheddar and finished with fresh green onions and parsley, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or easy meal prep.

Servings

4-6

Prep Time

20-25 minutes

Cook Time

65-70 minutes

Total Time

85-95 minutes

Fresh
1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
1 large onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2–3 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Packaged
1 cup wild rice blend, uncooked
2 1/2 cups chicken or beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Cooked wild rice (from earlier step)

Seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons hot sauce (or to taste)

Toppings
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mix of cheddar & pepper jack)

Preparation

  • Rinse the wild rice blend under cool water and set aside.
  • Dice the onion and both bell peppers.
  • Mince the garlic and slice the green onions.
  • Drain and rinse the black beans.
  • Chop the parsley if using and shred the cheese.
  • Measure out the tomatoes, broth, seasonings, and hot sauce.

Cooking

  • In a saucepan, combine the wild rice and broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, black beans, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce.
  • Fold in the cooked wild rice and mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese.
  • Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving

  • Remove from the oven and top with sliced green onions and chopped parsley.
  • Serve hot with extra hot sauce if desired.
  • Enjoy as a hearty one-pan meal.