Mexican Ground Beef Casserole With Rice Recipe

Looking for a hearty, family-friendly meal that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your dinner table? This Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice is exactly what you need! This one-dish wonder combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese into a satisfying casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

I love how this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into something truly special. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and even easier to customize based on what you have on hand. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

What is Mexican Ground Beef Casserole With Rice?

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice is a comforting baked dish that layers seasoned ground beef with rice, vegetables, and cheese. Think of it as a deconstructed burrito bowl that’s been transformed into a hearty casserole. The dish combines classic Mexican flavors like cumin, chili powder, and garlic with the satisfying textures of tender beef, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese.

This casserole is incredibly versatile and forgiving. It’s the kind of dish that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. The rice absorbs all the delicious flavors from the beef and seasonings, while the cheese creates a golden, bubbly top that’s absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients List for Mexican Ground Beef Casserole With Rice

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Cook Mexican Ground Beef Casserole With Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious Mexican casserole is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s my detailed guide to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
• This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier later.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
• Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Add diced onion and bell pepper to the same skillet with the beef.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
• Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• The vegetables should be tender but still have a slight crunch.

4. Season and Combine:

• Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
• Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

5. Add Rice and Liquid:

• Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
• Pour in the beef broth gradually, stirring to combine.
• The mixture should be slightly soupy at this point – the rice will absorb the liquid as it bakes.

6. Transfer and Bake:

• Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.
• Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and ensure the rice cooks properly.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

7. Add Cheese and Finish:

• Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
• Return to the oven, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Ground Meat: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for different flavor profiles.
• Rice: Brown rice works wonderfully but will need additional cooking time and liquid. Wild rice blend adds a nutty flavor and interesting texture.
• Beans: Try pinto beans, kidney beans, or refried beans instead of black beans for variety.
• Vegetables: Add diced jalapeños for heat, or include zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Cheese: Experiment with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese instead of the Mexican blend.
• Liquid: Replace some of the beef broth with salsa verde or enchilada sauce for deeper flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Having made this casserole countless times, I’ve learned to avoid these common pitfalls:

• Using Too Little Liquid: The rice needs adequate moisture to cook properly. If your mixture looks dry, add more broth.
• Not Covering During Initial Baking: The foil is crucial for steaming the rice. Without it, you’ll end up with crunchy, undercooked rice.
• Overcooking the Vegetables: Sauté them just until tender-crisp. They’ll continue cooking in the oven.
• Adding Cheese Too Early: Cheese added too soon can become tough and rubbery. Wait until the final 15 minutes.
• Skipping the Rest Time: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps it hold together when serving.

How to Serve Mexican Ground Beef Casserole With Rice

This casserole is substantial enough to serve as a complete meal, but I like to round it out with complementary sides. A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich casserole. Warm flour tortillas or cornbread make excellent accompaniments for soaking up any extra sauce.

For beverages, I recommend serving with ice-cold Mexican beer, fresh lime agua fresca, or classic iced tea. The goal is something refreshing that balances the warm, savory flavors of the casserole.

Presentation Ideas for Mexican Ground Beef Casserole With Rice

Make your casserole as beautiful as it is delicious with these presentation tips:

• Fresh Garnishes: Top with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for color and freshness.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side for guests to add a bright citrus kick.
• Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado slices or guacamole make excellent toppings that add creaminess and visual appeal.
• Individual Portions: Consider baking in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation at dinner parties.

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole With Rice Recipe Tips

Here are my tried-and-true tips for casserole success:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps everything cook more evenly and reduces baking time.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your meat mixture before adding to the baking dish and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Don’t Skip the Resting: Letting the casserole rest after baking prevents it from falling apart when served.
• Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Just add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
• Double the Recipe: This freezes beautifully, so consider making two casseroles and freezing one for later.

How to Store Mexican Ground Beef Casserole With Rice

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy leftovers safely and deliciously. Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering and refrigerating. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

For longer storage, this casserole freezes exceptionally well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use instant rice instead of regular rice?
A: I don’t recommend instant rice for this recipe. It will become mushy during the long baking time. Stick with long-grain white or brown rice for best results.

Q: How do I know when the rice is fully cooked?
A: The rice is done when it’s tender to the bite and has absorbed most of the liquid. If the rice seems undercooked after the initial baking time, add ¼ cup more broth and continue baking.

Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or extra beans and vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent the bottom from burning?
A: Make sure your baking dish is properly greased and consider placing it on the middle rack of your oven. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover with foil.

Q: Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
A: Yes! Diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach work well. Just be mindful that extra vegetables may release moisture, so you might need to adjust the liquid accordingly.

Q: How spicy is this casserole?
A: As written, this recipe has mild heat. To increase spiciness, add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to taste.

Conclusion

This Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice has become one of my go-to recipes for good reason. It’s incredibly satisfying, easy to make, and uses simple ingredients that most of us already have in our pantries. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheese creates a comfort food experience that brings the whole family to the table.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a crowd, or just wanting a delicious weeknight dinner, this casserole delivers every time. The best part is how customizable it is – you can easily adapt it to suit dietary preferences or use whatever ingredients you have on hand.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different vegetables, seasonings, or toppings. Each variation brings something new to discover, but the core comfort and satisfaction remain the same. Give this Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice a try, and I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. Happy cooking!