Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s hearty, colorful, and packed with bold flavor, the Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe is about to be your new weeknight hero. Imagine layers of tender rice, juicy ground beef or turkey, sweet corn, savory black beans, tomatoes, and melty cheese, all baked together in one happy, bubbling dish. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need something that satisfies everyone at the table without fuss, this casserole fits the bill—plus it brings a festive Mexican-American twist to the classic casserole lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of simple pantry staples and fresh favorites are all you need for this flavorful Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe. Each ingredient brings its own magic—whether that’s color, texture, a hint of heat, or an irresistible creamy melt on top!
- Olive oil: Adds a delicious, heart-healthy richness and helps everything sauté beautifully.
- Ground beef or ground turkey: Adds lean protein and a satisfying hearty flavor (you can also use ground chicken or make it vegetarian).
- Onion (diced): Brings mellow sweetness and depth of flavor as it cooks.
- Red bell pepper (diced): Adds brightness, crunch, and a pop of color to each bite.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Boosts the aroma and delivers a subtle kick of savory goodness.
- Black beans (canned, drained and rinsed): Provide earthy richness, plant-based protein, and irresistible texture.
- Frozen corn: Sweet and juicy kernels add little bursts of flavor and a touch of sweetness.
- Diced tomatoes (canned, with juices): Keep the casserole moist and add a tangy note.
- Salsa (mild or spicy): Delivers a punch of flavor and lets you customize the heat.
- Cooked white or brown rice: The heart of the casserole—chewy, filling, and perfect for soaking up all those flavors.
- Chili powder: Gives that signature smoky, spicy undertone that defines Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Cumin: Adds a subtle, earthy warmth you don’t want to skip.
- Paprika: Lends gentle color and a mild peppery flavor to round out the spices.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together in harmony.
- Black pepper: A pinch brightens everything and pairs perfectly with the spices.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melts into gooey, golden perfection on top (choose your favorite blend).
- Chopped cilantro and sliced green onions (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish to each serving.
How to Make Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown and cook through completely. Not only does this step bring out that savory, meaty flavor, but it also ensures your casserole has a hearty, satisfying base. If you’re making this vegetarian, simply skip the meat and jump ahead to the veggies!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion, Bell Pepper, and Garlic
Once the meat is browned, toss in the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until everything has softened and the kitchen is full of mouthwatering smells. This veggie trio adds color, sweetness, and the kind of aromatic foundation that makes every bite sing.
Step 3: Stir in Beans, Corn, Tomatoes, Salsa, and Rice
Now, it’s time to add big flavor! Stir in the drained black beans, frozen corn, diced tomatoes (with all their juicy goodness), salsa, and cooked rice. Mix well to combine all those textures and tastes—every ingredient should be evenly dispersed. The rice soaks up those zesty tomato and salsa juices while the beans make it extra satisfying.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix, letting the spices coat every kernel and morsel. Allow the mixture to simmer together for about 3 to 5 minutes, gently blending all the flavors so the Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe develops that crave-worthy depth.
Step 5: Assemble and Top with Cheese
Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the skillet mixture, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle that generous 1½ cups of shredded cheese over the top until everything is covered in a thick, tempting layer. This is the moment when it transforms from an everyday meal to pure comfort food magic.
Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Slide your dish into a 375°F oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Watch as the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns irresistibly golden. Let it rest for about 5 minutes out of the oven so you get those perfectly scoopable squares, then garnish with cilantro and green onions if you’d like.
How to Serve Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes can take your Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe from delicious to unforgettable. Scatter chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions on top for a burst of freshness and color. If you like an extra pop, toss on a few sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce at the table. Even a dollop of sour cream or a wedge of lime can add just the right finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pairing this casserole with simple side dishes rounds out the meal and makes it feel like a feast. Warm flour or corn tortillas, a fresh green salad, or a bowl of guacamole work beautifully alongside. For something a little more festive, whip up some quick pickled onions or serve a side of spiced roasted sweet potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
You don’t have to serve the Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe straight from the dish (though who would complain?). Try scooping it into baked bell pepper halves, stuffing it in burrito-sized tortillas for a fun twist, or serving small portions in ramekins for a party-ready appetizer bar. Don’t be afraid to play with presentation—this dish loves a little flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this casserole stay flavorful and moist in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure you wrap the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen as they mingle overnight, making next-day lunches something to look forward to.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe freezes well. Simply let the casserole cool completely, then cut it into squares and wrap tightly in plastic wrap (or use airtight containers). It’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through—about 20 minutes for a pan, or less for smaller portions. You can also use the microwave for individual servings; just be sure to cover so it stays nice and moist. If you want to revive the cheesy top, add a little extra shredded cheese before reheating!
FAQs
Can I make the Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily leave out the ground meat and either replace it with a plant-based alternative or simply up the beans and veggies. The casserole is just as hearty and flavorful without the meat.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works perfectly and gives the casserole a nutty flavor and a bit more fiber. Just be sure it’s fully cooked before mixing it in, as the bake time isn’t long enough to cook raw rice through.
What protein can I substitute for ground beef or turkey?
You can try ground chicken, chorizo, or a plant-based ground meat substitute for a twist on the classic. Each brings a little something different, so use what you love or have on hand.
Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble everything (up to the cheese), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just top with cheese and bake as directed, adding an extra few minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
How spicy is this Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe?
The spice level is up to you! Using a mild salsa keeps it kid-friendly, or go for hot salsa and add fresh jalapeños if you want a fiery kick. You can also start mild and let everyone add hot sauce at the table.
Final Thoughts
With its crowd-pleasing comfort and vibrant flavors, this Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe is the kind of dish you’ll want to come back to again and again. It’s the perfect solution for busy nights, family gatherings, or anytime you want a little fiesta on your plate—so go ahead and give it a try. You might just end up with a new family favorite!
Print
Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and comforting Mexican Rice Casserole that is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. This hearty dish combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and rice, topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro and green onions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy)
- 1½ cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef with olive oil until browned.
- Add vegetables: Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in beans, corn, tomatoes, salsa, rice, and seasonings; simmer.
- Transfer to baking dish: Place mixture in a baking dish; top with cheese.
- Bake: Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Let casserole rest, then garnish with cilantro and green onions.
- Serve: Serve warm.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- Customize by using ground chicken or omitting meat for a vegetarian option.
- Spice it up with jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
