Sizzling Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe for Fiesta Night

Crafting a hearty Mexican beef and rice casserole brings comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Layers of savory ingredients create a delightful harmony that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Tender beef mingles with fluffy rice, promising a meal that speaks directly to your soul.

Warm spices dance across each forkful, inviting memories of cozy kitchen moments.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet flavorful combination.

Cheese melts beautifully, binding everything into a irresistible culinary embrace.

Dive into this recipe, and you’ll discover a new family favorite that sparks joy around the table.

Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole That’s a Family Favorite

• Spice Up Family Dinner: A zesty Mexican-inspired casserole that transforms ordinary weeknight meals into exciting culinary adventures for everyone at the table.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: One-pan cooking method reduces kitchen cleanup while delivering a rich, complex taste profile that'll impress without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like extra heat from jalapenos or cooling garnishes, making it perfect for varied taste preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Utilizes affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and beans to create a hearty, filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on taste.

Ingredients for Delicious Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that serves as the foundation of this Mexican-inspired casserole.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that provide a sweet and slightly crisp base for the dish.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds depth and aromatic flavor to the casserole.
• Corn: A sweet and crunchy vegetable that adds texture and freshness.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: A zesty ingredient that brings moisture and a mild spicy kick.
• Jalapenos: Optional spicy peppers that add heat and vibrant flavor.
• Cilantro: A fresh herb that offers a bright, citrusy garnish.

• Taco Seasoning, Ground Cumin, Chili Powder: A blend of spices that creates a classic Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté vegetables and prevent sticking.

• Rice: A starchy base that absorbs flavors and provides a satisfying texture.
• Black Beans: A protein-rich legume that adds nutritional value and earthy flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a rich, creamy topping.

• Beef Broth: A liquid that helps cook the rice and adds additional flavor.
• Lime Wedges: Optional citrusy garnish that brightens the dish.

How to Make Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) to get ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Chopped onion
• Diced bell pepper

Cook until the vegetables soften and release their sweet, tangy flavors.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet.

Cook until the beef turns a beautiful golden brown.

Drain away any excess fat to keep things light.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Taco seasoning
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to create a mouthwatering blend of spices.

Step 5: Build the Casserole Base

• Rice
• Black beans
• Corn
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Beef broth

Mix thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients get cozy with each other.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat.

Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice becomes tender and absorbs all the incredible flavors.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the savory mixture to a greased casserole dish.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

Step 8: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes, watching the cheese melt into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

Step 9: Final Touches

• Freshly chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños (if you're feeling adventurous)

Serve with zesty lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Pro Tips for a Flavorful Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole

• Remove excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a lighter, more enjoyable texture.
• Use long-grain white rice for best results, as it absorbs flavors well and maintains a fluffy consistency throughout the baking process.
• Adjust chili powder and jalapenos according to personal heat tolerance, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish without overwhelming spiciness.
• Spread cheese evenly across the top for complete coverage and a perfect golden-brown melted finish that looks as good as it tastes.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making meal planning easier and more convenient.

Creative Variations for Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, maintaining the same spice blend and cooking method for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Chicken Mexican Casserole: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breast, keeping all other ingredients and seasonings consistent.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate option, preserving the authentic Mexican flavor profile and spice combination.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free, use certified gluten-free broth, and verify all ingredients meet gluten-free standards without altering the core recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole

• Fiesta Plate Companions: Fresh salsa and crisp tortilla chips perfectly complement the casserole's robust flavors.
• Cooling Contrast: Creamy sour cream or tangy Greek yogurt help balance the dish's spicy kick and add a refreshing touch.
• Green Freshness: Sliced avocado or a light side salad with mixed greens provide a nutritious and crisp accompaniment to the hearty casserole.
• Zesty Beverage Pairing: Mexican beer, margaritas, or citrus-infused water enhance the meal's vibrant southwestern profile.

How to Store Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded beef for variety. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and optional jalapenos. If you prefer mild flavor, use less chili powder or choose a mild taco seasoning blend. You can always adjust heat by adding or reducing spicy ingredients.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

Satisfying Mexican Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican beef and rice casserole delivers robust southwestern flavors with ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. Rich spices and simple ingredients create a comforting meal you’ll crave for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins and Base:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups beef broth

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced jalapenos
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Sauté chopped onions and bell peppers in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and tender.
3. Introduce ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until meat browns completely and releases its juices.
4. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture, then season with taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper for robust flavor.
5. Incorporate uncooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
6. Allow the mixture to reach a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender.
7. Transfer the prepared mixture into a greased casserole dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses generously across the top of the casserole.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, ensuring cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
10. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for added brightness and heat. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.

Notes

• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve perfectly fluffy texture.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier or vegetarian alternative.
• Use low-sodium taco seasoning and broth to control salt content and make dish more diet-friendly.
• For extra heat, add diced fresh jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce directly into the mixture before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 408 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg