The Best Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a hearty mexican beef and rice casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Hungry souls crave something substantial that fills the kitchen with delicious aromas.

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

Spices dance through each bite, creating a melody of southwestern flavors.

Rich ingredients blend seamlessly in this one-pan wonder that simplifies weeknight cooking.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for everyone gathering around the meal.

Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing dish that promises to become a new family favorite.

Mexican Beef And Rice Casserole Can Be Saved Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm in oven at 350℉ covered with foil for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Dishes That Fit Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole

• Pair Zesty Mexican Beer: Complement the bold flavors of the casserole with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Corona, cutting through the richness and refreshing the palate.
• Garnish with Fresh Cilantro Salsa: Top the casserole with a homemade cilantro-lime salsa to add bright, fresh notes that enhance the dish's Mexican-inspired profile and provide a tangy contrast.
• Create Cool Sour Cream Drizzle: Serve a dollop of smooth, creamy sour cream on the side, which balances the spicy taco seasoning and adds a cooling element to the hearty beef and rice mixture.
• Select Crisp Side Salad: Prepare a light green salad with mixed greens, diced avocado, and a zesty lime vinaigrette to provide a fresh, light accompaniment that cuts through the casserole's richness.

Mexican Beef Rice Bake Ideas

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with black beans or crumbled tofu, maintaining the same spicy flavor profile and protein content.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the Mexican-inspired taste and texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure taco seasoning and chicken broth are certified gluten-free, making the casserole safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives to replace shredded cheese, catering to lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

This casserole can be mild or spicy depending on the taco seasoning and salsa you choose. If you want less heat, select a mild taco seasoning and mild salsa.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes for ground beef. Ensure the meat is fully cooked before mixing with other ingredients.

• Do I need to cook the rice beforehand?

No, the uncooked rice will cook in the chicken broth and moisture from other ingredients during the baking process. This one-pan method saves time and reduces dishes.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, choose low-sodium taco seasoning, add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, and use reduced-fat cheese to cut calories.

Mexican Beef And Rice Casserole With Spiced Layers

• Whip Up a Speedy Dinner: Effortless one-pan meal that transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering feast in under an hour.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from ground beef, greens from spinach, and balanced carbohydrates from rice, creating a wholesome family-friendly dinner.
• Kid-Approved Flavor Explosion: Taco seasoning and salsa deliver zesty Mexican-inspired tastes that will excite taste buds without complicated preparation steps.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Uses affordable, readily available ingredients that can feed a crowd without breaking the bank, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

The Main Build Behind Beef Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: Rich meat base that provides hearty flavor and protein for the casserole.
• Taco Seasoning: Classic Mexican spice blend that adds robust and zesty taste profile.

• Fresh Spinach: Adds nutritious green element with mild earthy flavor.
• Corn: Sweet and crisp vegetable that brings texture and natural sweetness.
• Roasted Tomatoes: Provides deep, concentrated tomato flavor with smoky undertones.
• Salsa: Adds extra moisture and authentic Mexican-style tangy taste.

• Shredded Cheese: Creamy, melty topping that creates golden crust and rich flavor.
• Cooked Rice: Staple grain that serves as substantial base for the casserole.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances overall flavor of the dish.

Mexican Beef Rice Casserole Steps

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375℉.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Break up the meat into tiny crumbles as it cooks, letting it sizzle for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef.

Keep cooking and stirring until the meat turns a deep brown and loses all its pink color.

Step 4: Veggie Party

• Fresh spinach
• Sweet corn kernels
• Roasted tomatoes
• Zesty salsa

Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 5: Cheese Explosion

Toss in half of the shredded cheese, mixing it through the beefy veggie mixture.

Step 6: Rice and Broth Magic

Pour in cooked rice and chicken broth.

Give everything a good stir to combine all the delicious ingredients.

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish

Carefully dump the entire skillet contents into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 8: First Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45 minutes, or until the rice is perfectly tender.

Step 9: Cheese Finale

Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 10: Final Melt

Pop the dish back in the oven for 5 more minutes, or until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Expert Hints for Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole

• Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop rich, deep taste and prevent watery texture.
• Adjust taco seasoning quantity or use mild/hot versions to match personal heat preference.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for increased nutrition and volume.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed alternative.
• Assemble casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

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

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Description

Comforting Mexican beef and rice casserole brings hearty southwestern flavors to your dinner table with cheesy, spicy goodness. Packed with ground beef, zesty seasonings, and melted cheese, this one-dish meal will satisfy you completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Grains and Vegetables:

• 2 cups (380 grams) cooked rice
• 1 cup (150 grams) fresh spinach
• 1 cup (150 grams) corn
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) roasted tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheese (divided)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375℉ and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high and crumble ground beef, cooking until it loses its raw appearance and separates into small pieces.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef, stirring continuously to ensure even coating and complete browning.
4. Incorporate chopped spinach, sweet corn kernels, roasted tomatoes, and zesty salsa into the meat mixture, blending thoroughly for balanced flavor distribution.
5. Fold in half of the shredded cheese, allowing it to slightly melt and create a creamy texture throughout the mixture.
6. Gently stir in cooked rice and chicken broth, ensuring all ingredients are evenly combined and moisture is consistent.
7. Carefully transfer the skillet’s contents into the prepared baking dish, spreading the mixture uniformly for even cooking.
8. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 45 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb liquid and become tender.
9. Remove the foil and generously sprinkle remaining cheese across the top of the casserole.
10. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, melting the cheese until it turns golden and slightly bubbly.

Notes

• Boost protein by adding black beans or quinoa to the casserole for extra nutritional value.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner option perfect for health-conscious eaters.
• Make the dish gluten-free by using certified gluten-free taco seasoning and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Prep ahead by cooking rice and browning meat the night before to reduce day-of cooking time and simplify meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg