If you are craving a comforting and vibrant dish packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures, this Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, fluffy rice marrying perfectly with spicy ground beef, zesty tomatoes, hearty black beans, and sweet corn, all topped with melted cheddar cheese for that irresistible finish. It’s an effortless one-pan meal that brings the warmth and excitement of Mexican cuisine right to your table, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners and casual gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with color and flavor. Each element plays a crucial role — from the fragrant cumin to the creamy cheese — making this casserole both tasty and balanced.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions and beef to perfection.
- Small onion, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the base flavors.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides hearty protein and savory appeal.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic notes.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice (1 cup): The staple that soaks up all those delicious juices.
- Black beans, drained and rinsed: Offers extra fiber and a creamy texture contrast.
- Corn, drained: Adds gentle sweetness and vibrant pops throughout.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Contributes tang and subtle heat, keeping the dish exciting.
- Beef broth (1 ½ cups): Enhances savory richness and aids rice cooking.
- Taco seasoning (1 tablespoon): A perfect spice blend that ties the Mexican theme together.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds earthy warmth essential to Mexican flavors.
- Chili powder (½ teaspoon): Brings smoky depth and a mild kick.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for perfect seasoning balance.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): Offers a fresh herbaceous note to brighten the dish.
How to Make Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Beef
Begin by heating olive oil in your oven-safe skillet or casserole dish over medium heat. Once warm, toss in the diced onions and gently sauté until they’re soft and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step releases their natural sweetness and lays the flavor foundation. Next, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until no pink remains and it’s nicely browned. The browning creates savory complexity that you can’t skip. Just before moving to the next step, stir in minced garlic and let it cook briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Combine the Core Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring the heart of the casserole together. Add uncooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies (including all of the juices), and pour in the beef broth. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, ground cumin, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir everything well so that the rice and spices are evenly distributed. This mixture will transform into a flavorful, multicolored symphony in the oven.
Step 3: Bake Until the Rice is Perfectly Tender
Cover the skillet or casserole dish tightly with foil or a lid to trap steam and ensure even cooking. Transfer it to your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. During this time, the rice absorbs the savory broth and spices, becoming fluffy while the other ingredients meld beautifully. The anticipation is worth it!
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Once the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, remove the cover and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted into a bubbly, golden layer. This cheesy topping adds that comforting gooeyness that makes this Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe truly special.
How to Serve Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touch can elevate your casserole from great to unforgettable. Fresh chopped cilantro scattered across the cheesy top adds a burst of color and a herbaceous zing that complements the depth of flavors inside. For a little extra kick, consider a dollop of sour cream or slices of ripe avocado on the side.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Alternatively, serving warm, soft tortillas or crunchy tortilla chips allows your guests to scoop or wrap the casserole for a hands-on experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering this casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for personal servings that look charming and inviting. You can also serve it in a tortilla bowl, which adds an extra crunch and a playful touch to any meal gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and deepen after some rest, making reheated portions just as delicious as freshly baked.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this casserole, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe dish or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It will keep well for up to 2 months. This makes it perfect for meal prep or saving for a busy weeknight.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, usually about 20 minutes. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for convenience, but the oven method preserves the texture and flavor best.
FAQs
Can I make this Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and increase the beans or add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini. This will keep the dish hearty and flavorful without any meat.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken work beautifully as alternatives. They provide protein while keeping the dish moist and delicious.
How spicy is this casserole?
The heat level is mild and approachable, thanks to the diced tomatoes with green chilies and the gentle kick of chili powder. You can easily adjust the spice by adding jalapeños or using hot diced tomatoes if you prefer more heat.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice can be used, but it will require longer cooking time and more liquid. You might want to pre-cook the brown rice before assembling the casserole to ensure perfect tenderness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe is a comforting crowd-pleaser with its colorful layers, hearty textures, and bold, festive flavors. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a warm dish to share, it’s guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. Go ahead and give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mexican Rice Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-pan dish featuring ground beef, rice, black beans, corn, and a blend of spices baked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add uncooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies (including juices), beef broth, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Simmer and Bake: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop, then cover the skillet or casserole dish tightly with foil or a lid. Transfer it to the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven, uncover it, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Melt Cheese: Return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the casserole before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for the ground beef for a different protein option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to keep it hearty.
- To add extra heat, include chopped jalapeños or use hot diced tomatoes instead of mild.
