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### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef (Optional)
1. **Cook the beef:** In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the raw beef directly to the slow cooker or baking dish.
2. **Drain the fat:** Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat. If you’re using lean ground beef or ground turkey, this step may not be necessary.
#### Step 2: Assemble the Dump Meal
1. **Layer the ingredients:** In a slow cooker, large baking dish, or large pot, add the browned ground beef (or raw, if skipping the browning step). Dump in the canned diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and rice. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the top.
2. **Stir it up:** Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly mixed. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
#### Step 3: Cook the Meal
– **Slow Cooker:** If you’re using a slow cooker, cover it and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The rice will absorb the liquid from the tomatoes and corn, and the beef will cook through.
– **Stovetop:** If you’re making this on the stovetop, cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little more water or broth if it gets too dry before the rice is cooked.
– **Oven:** If you prefer to bake it, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through. You can uncover the dish for the last 10 minutes of baking to let the cheese melt on top.
#### Step 4: Add Cheese and Serve
1. **Top with cheese:** Once the dish is fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. If using the slow cooker or stovetop method, cover the dish for a few minutes to let the cheese melt. If baking, remove the foil and let the cheese melt in the oven.
2. **Serve:** Once the cheese has melted and everything is hot, serve the dump meal with a dollop of sour cream (optional) and any additional toppings like chopped green onions, jalapeños, or salsa.
### Tips and Variations:
– **Add More Veggies:** Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition. You can toss them in with the other ingredients at the beginning.
– **Make it Spicy:** For some extra heat, add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes.
– **Vegetarian Version:** For a vegetarian version, simply skip the ground beef and add extra beans (like kidney beans or pinto beans) or a plant-based protein like tofu or lentils.
– **Different Protein:** If you prefer chicken, ground chicken or rotisserie chicken can easily be swapped in for the ground beef.
– **Swap the Rice:** You can use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different texture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
– **Toppings:** For extra flavor, top with guacamole, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice.
### Why It’s So Great:
– **No-Fuss Cooking:** With just a few minutes of prep, this meal practically cooks itself. Whether you’re using a slow cooker, stovetop, or oven, you can set it and forget it while it comes together to create a satisfying, hearty dish.
– **Feeds Many for Less:** At around $12 or less, this meal is an affordable way to feed a large group without compromising on taste. It’s the kind of dish that fills you up without emptying your wallet.
– **Leftovers:** This recipe makes plenty of servings, so you’ll have leftovers for days! It’s perfect for meal prepping or serving a crowd without needing to cook multiple dishes.
### Final Thoughts:
This Super Easy Dump Meal is the ultimate solution for a quick, affordable, and satisfying meal that will feed a crowd. With minimal ingredients, simple steps, and tons of flavor, it’s the perfect option for busy families, college students, or anyone who wants to make a delicious meal without spending a lot of time or money. Whether you’re in a rush or just craving comfort food, this dump meal will quickly become your go-to recipe. Enjoy!
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