If you’ve been on the lookout for a hearty, flavorful, and downright comforting dish, this Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine a cozy casserole bubbling with seasoned ground meat, tender rice soaking up a rich blend of tomatoes and spices, and a golden layer of melted cheese that promises pure indulgence in every bite. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that beautifully balances vibrant textures and bold Mexican-inspired flavors, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this casserole couldn’t be easier, and each one plays a special role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in your dish.
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey: Choose your favorite protein for that rich, savory base.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth, softening as it cooks into the mix.
- 1 green bell pepper (diced): Provides a fresh crunch and vibrant green color.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic brings a punch of aromatic warmth to the casserole.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked): The star carbohydrate that absorbs all those delicious juices perfectly.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds protein and a creamy texture contrast.
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained: Sweet bursts of corn bring wonderful balance and color.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Infuses the rice with tang and moisture.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce: Deepens the tomato flavor, keeping everything moist and cohesive.
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth: Essential for cooking the rice perfectly without drying the dish.
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix): This blend is the magic that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese: Melts over the top for a bubbly, golden finish.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the warm spices.
- Sour cream and sliced jalapeños (optional, for serving): Perfect accompaniments for that creamy and spicy kick.
How to Make Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly after baking.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a large skillet, cook your ground beef or ground turkey over medium heat until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Be sure to drain any excess fat for a healthier and less greasy casserole base.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with your cooked meat. Cook them together for 3-4 minutes until those veggies soften and become irresistibly fragrant.
Step 4: Mix in the Core Ingredients
This is where the dish really starts to come together. Stir in the uncooked rice, drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, and taco seasoning. Mix everything thoroughly so each grain of rice will soak up those bold, spicy flavors.
Step 5: Transfer and Bake
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out to an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This step lets the rice absorb all the delicious liquids and cook to tender perfection.
Step 6: Cheese It Up
After the initial baking, remove the foil and give the casserole a good stir. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly across the top and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crown.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your casserole rest for a few minutes to set up. If you like, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, herbaceous lift, and serve with sour cream and sliced jalapeños to customize your flavor experience.
How to Serve Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and bright flavor, while a dollop of cool sour cream helps balance the spices. Sliced jalapeños are fantastic for those who love a bit of heat. You can also add avocado slices or a squeeze of lime to elevate the freshness even more.
Side Dishes
Serve your Mexican Rice Casserole with a simple green salad, crunchy tortilla chips, or some warm, soft flour tortillas for scooping. A side of refried beans or a crisp cucumber salad would also complement the casserole beautifully for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try layering your casserole in individual ramekins for personal servings or top with colorful sliced radishes and a sprinkle of queso fresco. Alternatively, serve it family-style right out of the dish for a cozy, inviting vibe everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers into an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead for busy nights, it freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or pop a serving in the microwave, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. To restore that melty cheese texture, you can add a little extra shredded cheese on top before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe?
You can, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time and liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more broth. It’s best to partially cook the brown rice before mixing or add extra broth and bake longer.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely! Skip the meat and add extra beans, diced zucchini, or even chopped mushrooms to keep it hearty. Use vegetable broth and consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cumin to deepen the flavor.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, by adding sliced jalapeños directly into the casserole or increasing the amount of taco seasoning. You can also top servings with hot sauce or fresh chopped chiles for an extra kick.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend are perfect for melting and flavor. You can also experiment with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of creaminess and spice.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
This dish is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free taco seasoning and ensure your broth and canned ingredients don’t contain gluten. Always check labels to be certain.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, flavor, and ease all to one dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or whenever you want comfort food that doesn’t require a ton of effort. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a cherished staple in your home, too!
Print
Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Mexican Rice Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal featuring ground beef or turkey, long-grain white rice, black beans, corn, and a blend of savory Mexican spices. The casserole is baked to perfection with melted cheddar or Mexican blend cheese on top, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner that combines wholesome ingredients with vibrant Tex-Mex flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Grains and Beans
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
Tomato and Seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream and sliced jalapeños (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or ground turkey over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the uncooked rice, black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, and taco seasoning. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all the ingredients and seasoning.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading the mixture out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil, stir the casserole gently to prevent rice sticking, and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned, and the rice is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm with sour cream and sliced jalapeños on the side to add creaminess and a spicy kick.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Adjust the level of spice by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning and jalapeño quantity.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version and swap meat for plant-based alternative or extra beans.
- Covering the casserole with foil helps steam and cook the rice evenly before melting the cheese.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the rice absorb excess moisture and firm up.
