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
- Prepare the oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray for easy release.
- Brown the ground meat in a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly cooking and eliminating excess fat.
- Incorporate diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic into the skillet, sautéing until vegetables become tender and fragrant.
- Blend uncooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and taco seasoning into the skillet, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an uniform layer for consistent cooking.
- 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.
- Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing cheese to melt completely and rice to absorb remaining liquid.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven to help set the ingredients.
- 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