Name: Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 white onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef, lean or extra-lean; 15 ounces corn kernels, drained and rinsed; 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 envelope taco seasoning (2 tablespoons); 14 ounces chunky salsa, mild or medium; 1 cup minute rice, uncooked; 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese, divided in half

Jump to Recipe·5 from 13 reviews

If you’re searching for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal, look no further than this Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole. With tender seasoned beef, fluffy rice, gooey melted cheese, and colorful veggies all in one pan, it’s the ultimate comfort dish that’s both simple and full of bold flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual gathering with friends, this casserole is always a hit and leaves everyone clamoring for seconds. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for any occasion!

Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole is how each ingredient plays an important part, working together for maximum flavor. Grab these pantry staples and fresh ingredients — you probably have most on hand already!

Olive oil: Just a splash gets those onions and garlic started and adds a subtle richness.
White onion, diced: Adds a gentle sweetness and soft texture once sautéed.
Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Infuses the entire dish with irresistible savory depth.
Ground beef (1 pound): The main protein—lean or extra-lean works best for a juicy but not greasy casserole.
Corn kernels (15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Sweet, juicy pops of flavor in every bite.
Black beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Hearty and filling, they lend an earthy note and a protein boost.
Taco seasoning (1 envelope/2 tablespoons): The essential seasoning for classic Tex-Mex flair—choose your favorite brand or homemade blend.
Chunky salsa (14 ounces, mild or medium): Brings freshness, moisture, and a touch of heat; pick the spice level you love.
Minute rice (1 cup, uncooked): The secret to perfectly cooked rice in the oven—regular rice just won’t work here!
Low-sodium chicken broth (1½ cups): Infuses the casserole with flavor and helps the rice cook to tender perfection.
Shredded Mexican cheese blend (2 cups, divided): Melty, gooey, golden cheese—save half for that irresistible topping.

How to Make Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Setting up your casserole dish in advance keeps everything moving smoothly, and there’s nothing like the anticipation of a hot, bubbling Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them sizzle until the onions are translucent and the garlic is just beginning to brown. This quick step releases layers of flavor, which you’ll notice the moment the aroma fills your kitchen. Transfer the cooked onion and garlic into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Using the same pan (no need to wash—more flavor!), add your ground beef. Cook over high heat, breaking it up as you go. This way, you’ll get beautiful, tender crumbles rather than large chunks. Once the beef no longer shows any pink, carefully drain off just a bit of extra fat. Then pour the beef right on top of your onion and garlic mixture in the casserole dish.

Step 4: Toss in the “Mix-ins”

Now for the fun part: add your drained corn, rinsed black beans, taco seasoning, salsa, uncooked minute rice, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese straight into the baking dish. Stir everything together, making sure the seasoning and ingredients are well-mixed for consistent flavor throughout.

Step 5: Add the Broth and Bake

Pour in the chicken broth and give the mixture one last good stir. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil so the steam stays trapped—this is key for cooking the rice! Bake in your preheated oven for 35 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Bake Again

Remove the foil and check the rice for doneness. If it isn’t quite soft yet, cover and bake for 5 more minutes. Once the rice is perfectly tender, sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese all over the top. Pop the casserole back in the oven, uncovered, for a final 5 minutes—or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop generous portions of the Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole onto plates while it’s piping hot. The cheesy top and colorful veggies make every serving look as good as it tastes!

How to Serve Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole

Garnishes

A handful of fresh toppings can take your casserole to the next level! Try sprinkling chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, or a few sliced green onions on top. If you like a little extra heat, add some finely diced jalapeño or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but a few simple sides can round out your meal beautifully. Serve with a crisp green salad, some warm flour tortillas, or a scoop of guacamole. Tortilla chips on the side are always a hit for scooping up every last cheesy bit.

Creative Ways to Present

Give your Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole a playful twist by serving it in individual ramekins for party portions, or even spoon it into bell pepper halves and bake for a colorful, veggie-packed presentation! It’s also fantastic as a filling for burritos or taco shells if you’re feeling extra inventive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole is truly a gift for busy weekdays. Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, staying fresh and flavorful for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This casserole is a dream for meal-prepping! Wrap the entire dish tightly with foil or portion into individual freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. If you’re planning ahead, double the recipe and stash an extra casserole away for an effortless meal later on.

Reheating

Reheating couldn’t be simpler. For the oven, cover the dish with foil and warm at 350°F until hot through (around 20-25 minutes). For a quick fix, microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems a little dry, and top with fresh cheese if desired.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of minute rice?

Minute rice is essential for this Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole because it cooks through perfectly in the oven alongside the other ingredients. Regular rice takes much longer and won’t soften correctly, so stick to minute (instant) rice for best results!

Can I substitute the ground beef with a different protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even meatless crumbles work beautifully in this casserole. Just be sure to cook whatever protein you use thoroughly before layering it in the dish.

Is this casserole spicy?

The spice level in Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole depends on your choice of taco seasoning and salsa. Opt for mild versions if you’re serving kids or spice-sensitive folks, or use medium or hot salsa for extra kick.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to the point before baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the oven time and carry on with the final cheesy topping step.

What cheese blend is best for topping?

A shredded Mexican cheese blend (usually a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and asadero or queso quesadilla) melts beautifully and adds classic flavor, but feel free to use just cheddar or a mix of any melty cheeses you love.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning dinner for a busy family night or entertaining friends, the Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. There’s just something magical about that cheesy, beefy, rice-filled bite—and once you make it, you’ll see why everyone asks for the recipe. Don’t wait to try it out!