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Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 10 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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)

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