Hearty Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Nights

Spicing up dinner with a mouthwatering Mexican rice casserole brings comfort and excitement to your evening meal.

Layers of fluffy rice, melted cheese, and zesty seasonings create a delightful harmony of flavors.

Bold ingredients dance together, promising a culinary adventure that feels like a warm embrace.

Cheesy goodness mingles with tender vegetables and savory proteins for a truly satisfying dish.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Southwest-inspired seasonings add a perfect kick of excitement to your dinner table.

You’ll want to dive right in and savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing casserole.

What Sets Mexican Rice Casserole Apart

• This one-pan wonder lets you toss ingredients together with minimal prep, making dinner a breeze for busy families.
• Packed with protein, beans, and cheese, this casserole satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Swap ground beef for turkey, adjust spice levels, or add extra veggies to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Using affordable ingredients like rice, beans, and ground meat, this casserole delivers maximum flavor without breaking the bank.

Gather These for Mexican Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: Hearty meat for the casserole's main protein.

• Uncooked Rice: Filling base that absorbs flavors.
• Black Beans: Protein-rich and adds texture.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Corn: Adds sweetness and crunch to the dish.
• Minced Garlic: Provides aromatic depth.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Creates rich, tangy base.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Helps cook rice and adds moisture.
• Taco Seasoning: Gives classic Mexican flavor profile.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts for creamy, golden finish.
• Fresh Cilantro: Optional bright, fresh herb topping.

• Sour Cream, Sliced Jalapeños: Optional side condiments for extra flavor.

Your Guide to Perfect Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Sizzle your ground meat in a large skillet over medium heat.

Break it up as it cooks until it’s completely browned.

Drain away any extra fat for a lighter dish.

Step 3: Sauté Flavor Boosters

• Diced onion
• Chopped green bell pepper
• Minced garlic

Let them dance around for 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Uncooked rice
• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Diced tomatoes with juice
• Tomato sauce
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Taco seasoning

Stir everything until it’s beautifully combined.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Spread it out evenly so every bite gets maximum flavor.

Step 6: Bake and Transform

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Then uncover, give it a gentle stir, and sprinkle cheese all over the top.

Bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 7: Finish and Feast

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for a few minutes.

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream and some spicy jalapeño slices on the side.

Tips for a Flavorful Rice Casserole

• Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Opt for ground turkey or lean ground beef to reduce calories and create a healthier meal without sacrificing flavor.
• Wash uncooked rice before adding to remove excess starch, helping achieve fluffy and separate rice grains in the final casserole.
• Adjust taco seasoning or add extra chili powder for those who love heat, or reduce seasoning for mild palates.
• Swap ground meat with plant-based crumbles or additional black beans to create a delicious meat-free version that's packed with protein.

How to Store and Warm Up Rice Casserole

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in baking dish, add 2-3 tablespoons of broth or water to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Uncover last 5 minutes to crisp up cheese top.

Great Additions to Mexican Rice Casserole

• Pair Zesty Mexican Beer: Complement the spicy, hearty casserole with a crisp Mexican lager like Corona or Modelo Especial, which cuts through the rich flavors and refreshes the palate.
• Elevate with Citrus Margarita: Mix a classic margarita using tequila, fresh lime juice, and triple sec to enhance the Mexican-inspired dish's vibrant and tangy profile.
• Create Fresh Salsa Side: Prepare a quick pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to add brightness and cool contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole.
• Serve Cool Yogurt Dip: Whip up a quick cilantro-lime yogurt sauce with Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime zest, and a pinch of salt to provide a creamy, tangy accompaniment.

Tweak It: Mexican Rice Casserole Editions

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground meat with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or black beans for a meat-free version that's packed with nutrients.
• Low-Carb Swap: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to reduce carbohydrate content, making it perfect for keto and low-carb diet followers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly the taco seasoning and broth, to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Lover's Version: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or extra hot sauce directly into the mixture for those who crave extra heat and bold flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust the broth amount by 1/2 cup and increase baking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure the rice cooks properly.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check the taco seasoning label to confirm no gluten-containing additives are present. Use a certified gluten-free taco seasoning if needed.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños directly into the mixture before baking, use a hot taco seasoning blend, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level. Top with extra hot sauce when serving.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets zesty flavor in this Mexican Rice Casserole, blending hearty ingredients with authentic spices for a crowd-pleasing meal. Savory layers of rice, cheese, and tender proteins create a delicious dinner that will satisfy hungry guests at any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or ground turkey

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) diced tomatoes (undrained)

Grains, Beans, and Additional Components:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) corn kernels (drained)
• 1 can (8 ounces or 227 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Sour cream (optional, for serving)
• Sliced jalapeños (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray for easy release.
2. Brown the ground meat in a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly cooking and eliminating excess fat.
3. Incorporate diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic into the skillet, sautéing until vegetables become tender and fragrant.
4. Blend uncooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and taco seasoning into the skillet, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an uniform layer for consistent cooking.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil, gently stir the contents, and sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface.
7. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing cheese to melt completely and rice to absorb remaining liquid.
8. Allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven to help set the ingredients.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside sour cream and sliced jalapeños for personalized heat and creaminess.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by toasting rice in skillet before adding liquid for a nutty, rich taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils to create a vegetarian-friendly version that’s equally delicious and protein-packed.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and taco seasoning, allowing you to control salt intake without compromising the robust Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Prep casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, letting ingredients meld together for an even more intense and harmonious taste when baked the next day.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg