Quick & Hearty Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice Recipe

Whipping up a delectable mexican ground beef casserole with rice promises to become your new weeknight dinner superstar.

Layers of savory flavors meld together in this comforting dish.

Hearty ingredients create a satisfying meal that everyone craves.

Spices dance through tender meat and fluffy rice, building incredible depth.

Cheese melts into golden perfection, adding richness to each bite.

Home cooking reaches new heights with this simple yet impressive recipe.

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

Everything You Need For Mexican Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: Lean meat that provides rich, hearty flavor and protein for the main dish.
• Black Beans: Protein-packed legume that adds texture and boosts nutritional value.

• Onion: Provides a sweet, foundational flavor base for the casserole.
• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor and enhances overall taste profile.
• Bell Pepper: Brings fresh crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
• Corn Kernels: Adds sweetness and provides additional texture.
• Green Onions: Offers a mild, fresh onion flavor as a garnish.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and prevents sticking.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and adds depth of flavor to the rice.
• Cheese: Melts to create a creamy, rich topping that binds ingredients together.
• Long Grain White Rice: Serves as the primary starch and absorbs flavors of other ingredients.

Mexican Ground Beef Rice Casserole How-To

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Sizzle Onions and Garlic

Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Tumble ground beef into the skillet and cook until it’s beautifully browned.

Stir in tomato paste and let it sizzle for a quick minute to intensify the flavors.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Fusion

• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth
• Corn
• Black beans
• Diced bell peppers
• Mexican spice blend

Mix everything together and bring to a bubbling boil.

Step 5: Simmer and Mingle

Reduce heat and let the ingredients get cozy, simmering for 10 minutes.

Give an occasional stir to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the savory mixture into a casserole dish.

Wrap it snugly with foil.

Step 7: First Bake Session

Slide the covered dish into the oven and bake for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 8: Cheese Finale

• Shredded cheese
• Chopped green onions

Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling golden blanket.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set its delicious layers.

Pro Advice for Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice

• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to match your heat tolerance, ensuring a personalized flavor experience.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, health-conscious alternative that maintains delicious taste.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or sharp cheddar to enhance the casserole's flavor profile.
• Cook rice beforehand to reduce overall cooking time and create a more consistent texture in the final dish.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to increase nutritional value and create more depth in the casserole's flavor.

Best Way To Keep Mexican Ground Beef Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, where it can be stored for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What to Enjoy with Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Blend tequila, lime juice, and triple sec for a tangy cocktail that complements the Mexican-inspired casserole's bold flavors.
• Serve with Crisp Salsa Verde: Whip up a fresh green salsa using tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro to add bright, acidic notes that cut through the dish's richness.
• Create a Cool Cucumber Slaw: Toss shredded cucumber, red onion, and lime juice for a refreshing side that balances the casserole's warm, spicy profile.
• Enjoy with Mexican Amber Lager: Select a smooth, slightly malty beer like Negra Modelo to enhance the dish's savory and slightly spicy elements.

Mexican Beef Rice Casserole Mix-Ins

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetables, maintaining the same Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Bean Blend: Substitute ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu for a meat-free alternative that keeps the casserole hearty and satisfying.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients like chicken broth and spices are certified gluten-free, and verify no cross-contamination occurs during preparation for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast as a topping, and skip cheese entirely to create a lactose-free version of the original recipe.

FAQs

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Always check labels carefully if you have gluten sensitivities.

• Can I freeze this Mexican Ground Beef Casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

• What side dishes work best with this casserole?

Serve with fresh guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or a crisp green salad. A side of tortilla chips can also complement the flavors of this hearty casserole.

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole With Rice For Hearty Dinners

• Quick and Easy Family Dinner: Transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering one-pan meal that comes together in under an hour.
• Customize Your Spice: Adjust heat levels by tweaking cayenne pepper, making it perfect for both mild and spicy food lovers.
• Budget-Friendly Protein Powerhouse: Utilizes affordable ground beef and pantry staples to create a filling, nutritious dinner that won't break the bank.
• Versatile Protein Options: Seamlessly swap ground beef with turkey or chicken, offering flexibility for different dietary preferences and health goals.

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican ground beef casserole brings zesty southwestern flavors to dinner tables with bold spices and comforting layers. Cheesy, satisfying ingredients blend seamlessly for a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (500g) ground beef (mince), lean
• 2 cups (200g) cheese, shredded

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 capsicum/bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup green onions/shallots
• 14 ounces (400g) can black beans, drained
• 14 ounces (400g) can corn kernels, drained

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/3 cup tomato paste
• 1 1/4 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
• 2.5 cups (625 ml) chicken broth/stock, low sodium

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole.
2. In a spacious skillet, drizzle olive oil and introduce finely chopped onion and garlic, gently sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, browning the meat thoroughly while breaking it into crumbly pieces, then incorporate tomato paste for an extra layer of depth.
4. Layer in uncooked rice, chicken broth, corn kernels, black beans, and diced capsicum, then sprinkle Mexican spices to create a vibrant flavor profile.
5. Allow the mixture to reach a robust boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Carefully transfer the simmered mixture into a casserole dish, enveloping it with foil to trap moisture and steam.
7. Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and rice to absorb the liquid.
8. Remove the foil and generously scatter shredded cheese and chopped green onions across the surface, returning it to the oven.
9. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling blanket.
10. Let the casserole rest momentarily, allowing it to settle and intensify its flavors before serving.
11. For a lighter variation, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, maintaining the dish’s robust character.
12. Customize the heat level by adjusting the cayenne pepper to suit individual spice preferences.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Rinse canned beans thoroughly to decrease sodium content and improve overall nutritional profile.
• Toast rice briefly in the skillet before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or adding jalapeños for extra kick without overwhelming heat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg