If you’re looking for a dinner that checks all the boxes—easy, hearty, and bursting with flavor—the Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe is about to be your new weeknight hero. Picture fluffy white rice baked with smoky spices, juicy tomatoes, black beans, golden corn, and a sizzling layer of melted cheese on top, all tied together with a savory taco-seasoned beef base. It comes out bubbling, wildly aromatic, and so comforting you’ll want seconds before you even finish your first plate. This is the kind of meal that makes the table go quiet—everyone’s too busy tucking in!

Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe plays an essential role, adding flavor, texture, or irresistible color to the final dish. With nothing fancy or fussy, these simple staples come together for a crave-worthy, family-friendly dinner.

Ground beef (or ground turkey): The hearty protein base that soaks up all those bold seasonings; swap for ground turkey if you’re after a lighter touch.
Onion: Brings sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes while cooking.
Garlic: Essential for its aromatic punch—don’t skimp!
Long-grain white rice: The canvas that ties everything together, soaking up every drop of flavor.
Beef broth (or chicken broth): Adds richness and helps the rice cook up fluffy and savory.
Black beans: Creamy, earthy, and packed with protein, they lend heartiness and color.
Corn: Little pops of sweetness and golden color in every bite.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Juicy, slightly spicy, and all the sauciness you need in one can.
Taco seasoning: The secret blend for classic Tex-Mex flavor in a tidy packet.
Chili powder: Boosts the warmth and gives that signature red hue.
Cumin: Earthy and a touch smoky, it rounds out the spice profile beautifully.
Shredded Mexican blend cheese: The cheesy crown! Melty, stretchy, and full of flavor.
Olive oil: Helps everything brown and mingle together without sticking.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to bring everything into perfect balance.
Chopped cilantro and sour cream (optional): Garnishes that take it from yum to wow in seconds.

How to Make Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick grease—this will make serving a breeze later. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the ground beef (or ground turkey), onion, and garlic. Cook everything together, breaking up the meat as you go, until the beef is browned and the onion has softened and grown golden. If there’s extra fat in the pan, go ahead and drain it off for a lighter finish.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

This is where the Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe really starts to sing. Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mixing everything now lets the flavors meld right into the rice as it cooks, guaranteeing spoonfuls packed with savory goodness.

Step 3: Bake Until Perfect

Transfer your colorful skillet mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to hold in the steam—that’s the magic trick for tender, fluffy rice. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Give it a check; the rice should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. Now, it’s time for everyone’s favorite part!

Step 4: Add the Cheesy Topping

Peel off the foil, sprinkle the entire surface generously with shredded Mexican blend cheese, and pop the dish back into the oven uncovered. Let it bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden at the edges. It’s a sight (and smell) you won’t be able to resist.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Let your casserole cool for a couple of minutes out of the oven—you want to avoid scorched taste buds and let all those flavors settle. Sprinkle with lots of fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if you like, then scoop and serve. Whether it’s a Tuesday dinner or a potluck star, this casserole delivers every time.

How to Serve Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing your Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe is a chance to really make it shine. I’m partial to a scattering of fresh, chopped cilantro for a vibrant, herbal note and a small mountain of cool sour cream for creamy contrast. Sliced green onions, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime are also fantastic ways to add freshness and a bit of color.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is already quite filling, keep sides light but flavorful. A simple green salad with crisp lettuce and a zesty vinaigrette works beautifully, or try a bowl of pico de gallo and tortilla chips for some crunch. If you’re feeding a crowd, a big platter of roasted vegetables is always welcome alongside the rich, cheesy casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve the Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe buffet-style, letting everyone top their portion with their favorite extras. For a cozy family meal, bring the bubbling dish right to the table. Or, go for individual ramekins for an elegant dinner-party twist! This dish is also perfect for meal preppers—portion into containers with a few slices of lime and a sprinkle of cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully, making the Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe a dream for busy weeks. Simply scoop any extras into airtight containers and refrigerate—they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to four days. The flavors only deepen as they rest, so don’t be afraid to save some for later lunches!

Freezing

If you want to stock your freezer, this casserole holds up very well. Let it cool completely, wrap the whole baking dish tightly in foil or separate into individual portions for grab-and-go meals. It’ll keep for up to two months in the freezer. Just remember to label with the date so you can grab it when the craving hits.

Reheating

To reheat, you can use the microwave for quick lunches, or get the best texture by popping portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before baking for a revived, melty top. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight first for even warming.

FAQs

Can I make the Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the ground beef and double up on black beans or add sautéed veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You’ll still get all that wonderful flavor and hearty texture, just plant-based.

What if I only have brown rice?

You can use brown rice, but you’ll need to add extra liquid and bake longer—usually 15–20 minutes more—to ensure it cooks through. Check it before adding the cheese to make sure the rice is tender.

Is the casserole very spicy?

The Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe has a gentle kick, thanks to the taco seasoning and green chilies, but it’s not overly spicy. If your family likes it mild, use diced tomatoes without chilies or skip the chili powder. For more heat, stir in a chopped jalapeño or sprinkle with hot sauce at the table.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add 10 extra minutes to the covered bake time so everything heats through perfectly.

What’s the best way to transport this for a potluck?

Once baked, keep the casserole covered with foil and wrap a large towel around the dish to keep it warm. Transport in an insulated bag if possible, and bring along garnishes in separate containers. It always impresses a crowd and holds up beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe as I am to share it! There’s something truly special about how the simple ingredients and bold flavors come together in one delicious, cheesy bake. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers that’ll make your week easier, this recipe delivers pure comfort with every bite. Give it a go—you might just find yourself making it again and again!

Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Mexican Rice Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. With a delicious blend of ground beef, rice, beans, corn, and cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)

Additional Ingredients:

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped cilantro and sour cream for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
Add Ingredients: Stir in rice, broth, black beans, corn, tomatoes, seasonings, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 35–40 minutes. Uncover, top with cheese, and bake for 10 more minutes.
Garnish: Garnish with cilantro and sour cream.

Notes

You can prepare this casserole ahead and refrigerate before baking with an additional 10 minutes of bake time.
For a vegetarian version, omit beef and add extra beans or sautéed veggies.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American