Sizzling Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe for Taco Night

Crafting a mouthwatering Mexican beef and rice casserole can turn an ordinary dinner into a spectacular feast.

Layers of seasoned ground beef blend perfectly with fluffy rice and melted cheese.

Hearty ingredients create a comforting meal that speaks directly to your soul.

Warm spices dance through each bite, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Family members will lean in, eager to sample this satisfying dish.

Simple preparation meets incredible flavor in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first helping, guaranteed.

Variations For Mexican Beef Rice Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Skillet: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken, add extra jalapeños, and mix in pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Bowl: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra black beans, incorporate quinoa instead of rice, and top with roasted vegetables.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Casserole: Substitute beef with lamb, use oregano and mint instead of taco seasoning, add feta cheese, and include diced cucumber for freshness.
• Tex-Mex Breakfast Bake: Transform the recipe by adding scrambled eggs, chorizo sausage, and serve with salsa and hot sauce for a morning version of the classic dish.

Serving Ideas For Mexican Beef Casserole

• Serve this hearty casserole as a complete one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Pair with a crisp green salad and tortilla chips for added crunch and freshness.
• Transform the casserole into interactive taco night by serving components separately. Let family members build their own tacos with the beef and rice mixture, offering extra toppings like chopped lettuce, salsa, and extra cheese.
• Scoop the beef and rice mixture into halved bell peppers before baking. Top with additional cheese and garnish with fresh cilantro for a colorful, nutritious twist on the original recipe. Bake until peppers are tender and cheese melts beautifully.

Best Storage For Mexican Beef Casserole

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the flavors fresh and preventing bacterial growth.
• Pack the cooled casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining its delicious taste and texture.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in the oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but increase the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice typically requires more broth and about 45-50 minutes of simmering to become tender.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and optional jalapeno. For a milder version, use less chili powder or skip the jalapeno. For more heat, add extra jalapeno or use a spicy taco seasoning blend.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add cheese and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Mexican Beef And Rice Casserole

• Simplify Meal Prep: Dump all ingredients into a slow cooker and let it work its magic with minimal hands-on time, making dinner a breeze.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich beans, and low-fat Greek yogurt, this chili delivers a healthy punch without sacrificing flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by adding or reducing cayenne pepper, making it perfect for different taste preferences and family members.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A hearty, warm dish that satisfies hunger and provides a delicious one-pot meal for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients For Mexican Beef Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that serves as the main protein source for this Mexican-inspired casserole.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper: These ingredients create a flavor base that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
• Jalapeno: Provides an optional spicy kick to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Black Beans, Corn: Add texture, nutrition, and authentic Mexican-inspired elements to the casserole.

• Chicken Broth: Helps cook the rice and adds moisture to the casserole.
• Tomato Paste, Diced Tomatoes: Contribute rich tomato flavor and help create a saucy consistency.
• Taco Seasoning, Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that gives the dish its characteristic Mexican-style taste.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding a creamy and tangy element to the casserole.
• Cilantro: Provides a fresh, bright garnish that complements the rich flavors.
• Optional Toppings: Sour Cream, Green Onions, Avocado: Additional garnishes that can customize the dish to personal preference.

• Uncooked Rice: Serves as the foundation of the casserole, absorbing flavors and creating a satisfying one-dish meal.

How To Make Mexican Beef And Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep The Flavor Base

In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers.

Sauté until vegetables become soft and fragrant. Add ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking meat into small crumbles.

Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.

Step 2: Spice It Up

• Taco seasoning
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and toast the spices for two minutes to unlock their deep, rich flavors.

Step 3: Build The Casserole Foundation

• Tomato paste
• Diced tomatoes
• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Chopped jalapenos (optional)

Mix in uncooked rice, allowing it to absorb all the delicious spices.

Step 4: Create Moisture Magic

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, stirring gently.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat. Cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid disappears.

Step 5: Cheese Finale

Preheat oven to 375F. Generously sprinkle cheddar cheese across the casserole surface.

Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 6: Fresh Finishing Touches

Retrieve the casserole from the oven.

Scatter fresh cilantro on top. Serve with optional garnishes.

Tips For Flavorful Mexican Beef Casserole

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp texture.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or omitting jalapeno for a milder version suitable for kids or sensitive palates.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a healthier protein alternative that maintains delicious flavor profile.
• Choose long-grain white rice for best absorption and fluffy consistency, preventing mushy results during cooking process.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and reduce overall kitchen time, making this a perfect weeknight meal solution.

Mexican Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican beef and rice casserole delivers comforting layers of spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and fluffy rice. Zesty flavors meld together, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 large bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps taco seasoning
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 2 tbsps fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• sour cream (optional)
• lime wedges (optional)
• avocado or guacamole (optional)
• crushed tortilla chips (optional)
• hot sauce (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics in olive oil over medium heat until translucent, creating a fragrant base for the ground beef.
2. Brown the ground beef thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains, and carefully drain any excess fat to maintain a lean texture.
3. Awaken the spices by stirring in taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, allowing them to bloom and release their intense flavors for 2 minutes.
4. Incorporate tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and optional jalapeños into the meat mixture, creating a robust and colorful filling.
5. Add uncooked rice directly to the skillet, ensuring each grain is coated with the seasoned meat and vegetable mixture.
6. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, gently stirring to distribute ingredients evenly, then bring to a rolling boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer.
7. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes at low heat, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become tender while flavors meld together.
8. Preheat oven to 375F (190C) while the rice-beef mixture completes cooking.
9. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and generously sprinkle cheddar cheese across the top.
10. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
11. Garnish with fresh cilantro and optional toppings like sour cream, green onions, or sliced avocado for added freshness and texture.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option.
• Toast spices thoroughly to enhance their depth and release maximum flavor before adding other ingredients.
• Rinse black beans to lower sodium content and improve overall dish digestibility.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for increased nutritional value and added fiber.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutrient content and create more volume.
• Control spice level by adjusting jalapeño quantity or removing seeds for milder taste.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 440 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg