If you are craving a dish that brings vibrant flavors, heartiness, and a splash of fiesta to your table, this Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Combining tender rice, perfectly seasoned ground beef, black beans, and melty cheese all in one pan, it’s comfort food packed with irresistible Tex-Mex goodness. Every bite bursts with warmth and richness, making it a dependable crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’s going to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe, you don’t need a laundry list of complicated ingredients. Each item serves a role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color to make the dish memorable and satisfying.
- Lean ground beef: Choose 85/15 or leaner for a delicious, protein-packed base without excess grease.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and a fresh crunch that balances the savory beef.
- Onion: Brings natural sweetness when sautéed, enhancing overall depth.
- Garlic: Provides that essential aroma and a burst of savory punch.
- Taco seasoning packet: A quick blend of spices that infuses the dish with classic Mexican flavor.
- Black beans: Creamy and hearty, they boost the protein and add texture contrast.
- Corn: Sweet pops of color that brighten every forkful.
- Beef broth: Moisturizes and flavors the rice as it cooks to perfection.
- Salsa: Brings tanginess and a touch of spice, uniting all the elements together.
- Tomato sauce: Adds a subtle richness for a comforting, tomatoey base.
- Long-grain white rice: Ideal for soaking up all the savory juices while staying fluffy.
- Colby Jack cheese: Creamy and mild, it melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Fresh cilantro: The perfect fresh herb to sprinkle on top for brightness and color.
- Your favorite taco toppings: From sour cream to avocado, these elevate the dish with personalized flair.
How to Make Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Veggies
Start by heating a large, deep skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef along with the diced green bell pepper and onion. This combination softens and melds beautifully, releasing incredible aromas. Once the beef is nicely browned, drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from feeling too heavy. Then stir in the minced garlic quickly so it doesn’t burn but perfumes the whole pan wonderfully.
Step 2: Season and Build Your Base
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, stirring thoroughly to coat every bite of beef and veggies. This seasoning blend gives you that instantly recognizable Mexican flair. Next, add the black beans, corn, beef broth, salsa, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Give everything a good stir so the ingredients combine perfectly into a luscious filling.
Step 3: Simmer with Rice
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before stirring in the long-grain white rice. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet tightly. The rice will absorb the flavorful liquids as it simmers for about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to stop the rice from sticking to the bottom—this ensures every grain turns out tender and infused with all those vibrant flavors.
Step 4: Cheese It Up
When the rice is tender and the liquid has disappeared, remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of your shredded Colby Jack cheese right into the casserole. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top, cover again, and give the cheese a few minutes to melt into a gooey, golden blanket of deliciousness that ties all the ingredients together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before you dive in, sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro over the top for a lively pop of color and herbal brightness. Serve the casserole warm alongside your favorite taco toppings for a customizable and festive meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at your table.
How to Serve Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro is a simple yet essential garnish that brightens the dish and adds that fresh contrast to the rich casserole. Consider adding diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime to personalize each serving and amplify the bold flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as the main event, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of crunchy tortilla chips can provide delightful textural contrasts and a refreshing balance. Beans and rice in one dish make it hearty, so lighter sides work best to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the warm casserole inside crispy tortilla bowls or alongside fresh flour tortillas for DIY burrito-style wraps. Layering the casserole in a clear glass baking dish also shows off its colorful layers beautifully, making it perfect for potlucks or family-style dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it makes for a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. After it cools completely, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers. It can be kept in the freezer for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy a quick, comforting meal anytime without extra effort.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge or reheat refrigerated leftovers directly on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to restore moisture. Microwave reheating works fine too—just cover to keep it from drying out and stir halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent lean alternatives if you want a lighter version, and they still absorb the delicious spices and flavors beautifully.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and add extra beans, vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, or even a meat substitute. The taco seasoning and salsa keep the flavors authentic and vibrant.
What type of rice works best for this casserole?
Long-grain white rice is best because it cooks evenly and stays fluffy without becoming mushy. Avoid quick-cooking or pre-cooked rice as they won’t absorb the flavors as well during simmering.
Can I use fresh salsa instead of jarred salsa?
Fresh salsa can work wonderfully if it’s thick and chunky enough, but adjust the seasoning accordingly since fresh salsa may have a different level of acidity and moisture compared to jarred.
How spicy is this Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe?
The level of spice depends largely on the taco seasoning and salsa you choose. For more mild options, select mild seasoning blends and salsa. For an extra kick, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce on the side.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s hearty, full of joy, and packed with bold flavors that remind you why comfort food should never be boring. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, make this recipe your own, and watch it quickly become a favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Mexican Rice Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, onions, black beans, corn, and rice all simmered together in a zesty tomato and salsa sauce, topped with melted Colby Jack cheese and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines the best of Mexican-inspired flavors in a comforting casserole.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef (at least 85/15 lean)
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Canned Goods
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (16 ounce) jar salsa
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
Grains and Cheese
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
Garnishes
- Fresh chopped cilantro, for serving
- Your favorite taco toppings
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Vegetables: In a large deep-sided skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef together with diced green bell pepper and onion. Cook until meat is browned and vegetables are softened. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the taco seasoning packet and mix well to evenly coat the beef and vegetables.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the black beans, corn, beef broth, salsa, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly, making sure the taco seasoning is well distributed.
- Simmer with Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the long-grain white rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Melt Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for a few minutes so the cheese can melt completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped cilantro and serve it hot with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, avocado, or salsa for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef for a lighter option.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your spice preference.
- If you prefer, use brown rice but increase the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and reheated; just add extra broth if it dries out.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
