Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Tucking into a hearty mexican beef and rice casserole instantly transports me to comfort food heaven.

Memories of weekend gatherings flood back with each savory bite.

Layers of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese create a delightful melody of flavors.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet satisfying dish.

Spices dance across your palate, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

My family can’t resist this one-pan wonder that combines bold southwestern ingredients.

What Goes Into Mexican Beef & Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the primary protein for the casserole.

• Taco Seasoning, Spinach, Corn, Diced Tomatoes, Salsa, Fresh Cilantro: These ingredients add vibrant flavors, nutrition, and a classic Mexican-inspired taste profile to the dish.

• Uncooked Rice, Chicken Broth, Cheese: These components create a creamy, comforting texture and help bind the casserole together while adding depth and richness.

How to Make Your Skillet Sizzle

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab a large skillet and cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s beautifully browned.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and mix thoroughly, coating every bit of beef with zesty flavor.

Step 4: Create a Veggie Fiesta

• Fresh spinach
• Sweet corn kernels
• Diced tomatoes
• Spicy salsa

Cook until the spinach wilts and everything mingles together.

Step 5: Mix the Magic

• Seasoned beef mixture
• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth
• Shredded cheese

Stir everything until well combined and looking irresistible.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and cover snugly with foil.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Then remove the foil, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of fresh flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your Mexican-inspired feast!

Tips for a Bold, Zesty Casserole

• Remove as much fat as possible to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, healthier dish.
• Adjust taco seasoning or add hot sauce to match your preferred heat intensity for a personalized flavor profile.
• Swap or add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or black beans to increase nutritional value and texture.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready – perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.
• Use brown rice for added fiber or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative without compromising taste and satisfaction.

Mexican Casserole Mix-In Ideas

• Vegetarian Mexican Casserole: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils for a protein-packed plant-based version. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for more nutrition.
• Chicken Swap Option: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken for a lighter protein alternative. Season with same taco spices for consistent flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrates. Ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free and verify all ingredient labels for safe preparation.
• Low-Carb Mexican Bake: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli. Use full-fat cheese and add extra vegetables to increase nutrient density while maintaining traditional Mexican flavor notes.

Plating Suggestions for a Festive Meal

• Fiesta Night Plating: Serve the casserole in colorful ceramic dishes to highlight the vibrant Mexican-inspired colors and textures.
• Fresh Flavor Boosters: Top with sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, sour cream, and extra cilantro for added zest and creamy contrast.
• Sidekick Suggestions: Pair with crisp tortilla chips, Mexican street corn, or a light green salad with lime vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole.
• Family-Style Feast: Present the casserole directly in the baking dish for a rustic, communal dining experience that encourages sharing and conversation.

How to Store Mexican Beef & Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely. Add extra cheese on top for crispy texture.

FAQs

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe uses taco seasoning which adds mild spice, but you can control heat by choosing mild or hot salsa and adjusting seasoning.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes for ground beef in this recipe.

• Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the casserole?

No, the uncooked rice will absorb liquid and cook during the baking process, creating a one-pot meal.

• What if I don't have chicken broth?

You can substitute with water or vegetable broth, though chicken broth adds more flavor to the casserole.

Sizzling Fiesta: Mexican Beef & Rice Casserole Unleashed

• Quick and Easy Meal: Whip up a delicious, hearty casserole with minimal prep work and simple ingredients that come together in a single dish.
• Packed with Nutrition: Boost your family's health with protein-rich ground beef, nutrient-dense spinach, and corn, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Enjoy the zesty Mexican-inspired taste that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinnertime a crowd-pleasing experience.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this all-in-one casserole that combines protein, vegetables, and rice in a single baking dish.

Flavor-rich Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican beef and rice casserole brings zesty southwestern comfort straight to dinner tables with bold spices and cheesy goodness. Packed with ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, this one-pan meal promises satisfying flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup long grain rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 14 ounces (396 grams) fire roasted diced tomatoes

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 bunch spinach (ends trimmed and roughly chopped)
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)

Cheese:

• 2 cups Mexican 4 cheese blend (shredded)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a greased casserole dish.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully draining excess fat.
3. Incorporate taco seasoning thoroughly into the beef, ensuring even distribution.
4. Add spinach, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa to the beef mixture, simmering until spinach wilts and ingredients meld.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine beef mixture with uncooked rice, chicken broth, and a portion of shredded cheese, stirring until well integrated.
6. Pour the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
8. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese across the top, and return to oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling layer.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves just before serving to enhance visual appeal and add a vibrant flavor accent.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a crispy, not soggy casserole texture.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, healthier alternative protein options.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the dish.
• Add a layer of sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat and flavor complexity if you enjoy spicier meals.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 446 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg