Hearty Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meets zest in this mouthwatering Mexican beef and rice casserole that promises to steal the show at any dinner table.

Hearty ground beef simmers with aromatic spices, creating layers of rich flavor.

Fluffy rice absorbs every savory note, turning a simple dish into a culinary masterpiece.

Melted cheese blankets the casserole, adding a creamy texture that makes each bite irresistible.

Vibrant seasonings dance across the surface, hinting at the bold southwestern flavors waiting to burst forth.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delicious or felt so satisfying.

Grab a fork and prepare for a taste adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole – Weeknight Wonder

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Transforms simple ingredients into a delicious, hearty meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved flavors and protein-rich ingredients that satisfy everyone at the dinner table, from picky eaters to hungry adults.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients or adding extra toppings like sour cream, salsa, or avocado to match personal taste preferences.
• One-Dish Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single baking dish, making it perfect for busy families and home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Mexican Beef and Rice Ingredient Checklist

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the core of this Mexican-inspired casserole.
• Taco Seasoning: A zesty blend of spices that adds authentic Mexican flavor to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a rich, deep foundation of flavor.
• Black Beans: A protein-packed legume that adds texture and nutritional value.
• Corn: A sweet and crisp vegetable that brings color and freshness to the casserole.
• Green Chilies: Mild peppers that introduce a subtle heat and tangy flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: A smooth base that helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture.

• Shredded Cheese: A melty topping that creates a golden, creamy layer on the casserole.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.
• Cooked Rice: A fluffy and filling base that absorbs the rich flavors of the beef and seasonings.
• Fresh Cilantro: An optional garnish that adds a bright, fresh herb note to the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics

Drizzle olive oil in a large skillet and dance those onions and garlic around until they turn soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Toss in the ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Tomato sauce
• Black beans
• Corn
• Green chilies

Let everything simmer and get cozy for a few minutes.

Step 5: Mix Magic

• Beef mixture
• Cooked rice
• Half of the shredded cheese

Stir until everything is perfectly blended.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and crown it with the remaining cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top if you’re feeling fancy, then dig in and enjoy your Mexican feast!

Tips for Fluffy Rice and Savory Beef Layers

• Adjust taco seasoning intensity by using less or adding gradually to match your heat preference.
• Choose long-grain white rice or swap with brown rice for added nutrition and hearty texture.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options.
• Mix different cheese varieties like pepper jack or monterey jack for enhanced flavor complexity.
• Prepare casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Beef and Rice Casserole Variations to Explore

• Vegetarian Mexican Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, using extra protein-rich quinoa instead of rice for added nutrition.
• Chicken Swap Option: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein alternative that maintains the Mexican flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Mexican Bake: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the zesty seasoning and cheesy topping.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free, use gluten-free rice, and verify all ingredient labels to create a safe meal for those with gluten sensitivities.

Plating Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole for Friends

• Fresh Fiesta Topping Bar: Set out sour cream, diced avocados, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges for guests to customize their casserole servings.
• Zesty Side Companions: Pair with crisp green salad, quick salsa, or warm tortilla chips to add extra texture and flavor to the meal.
• Family-Style Presentation: Serve directly from the baking dish with a large serving spoon, encouraging everyone to scoop their own portion and enjoy the melty, cheesy goodness together.
• Leftover Lunch Remix: Transform remaining casserole into hearty burrito filling or top over crispy tortilla chips for a quick nachos-style meal the next day.

Storage for Beef and Rice Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works perfectly. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before mixing with the beef mixture.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you use. Choose mild or hot versions based on your preference.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition.

Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor hearty Mexican beef and rice casserole, a comforting dish that blends zesty spices with tender ground beef and fluffy rice. Melted cheese and colorful toppings make this crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Starches:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

Sauces and Liquids:

• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a casserole dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Brown the ground beef in the same skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until no pink remains.
4. Drain excess grease from the meat, then return to pan and mix in taco seasoning, creating a robust flavor profile.
5. Incorporate tomato sauce, black beans, corn, and green chilies into the meat mixture, allowing ingredients to meld together over medium heat for 5 minutes.
6. In a large mixing bowl, fold cooked rice into the seasoned beef mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
7. Sprinkle half the shredded cheese throughout the mixture, creating pockets of melty goodness.
8. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and topping with remaining cheese.
9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese becomes golden and slightly crispy around edges.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro for a bright, herbal finish.

Notes

• Optimize the rice texture by using day-old cooled rice to prevent mushiness and maintain distinct grains.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or adding fresh jalapeños for extra heat.
• Make it gluten-free by selecting a certified gluten-free taco seasoning and checking bean and corn labels.
• Enhance protein variety by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg