This Mexican ground beef and rice casserole is a testament to how simple, affordable ingredients can come together to make a fabulous-tasting dish that will feed the family without breaking your wallet. It’s a culinary masterpiece that combines hearty ground beef, fluffy rice, vibrant vegetables, and melty cheese, all infused with the rich and warm flavors of classic Mexican cuisine. Forget complicated recipes and expensive ingredients; this casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort and cost, making it an absolute staple for any home cook.

Why You Will Love This Mexican Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

In just a few words: easy, fast, delicious, affordable, and incredibly versatile. As food prices continue to creep up, it’s more important than ever to discover dishes that still deliver big flavor without breaking the bank. This Mexican ground beef and rice casserole is precisely one of those culinary treasures.

Imagine the delightful harmony of spice-infused ground beef perfectly mixed with tender rice, layered with cheesy, melty goodness. Each bite offers wonderful pops of sweetness from the corn, the satisfying creaminess from black beans, and a delightful hint of warmth from carefully selected spices. This dish truly hits all the right notes, offering a symphony of both flavors and textures that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your table.

Beyond its incredible taste, this fabulous Mexican casserole can be on your table in less than an hour, making it an ideal candidate for busy weekday dinners. You won’t need to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen to create a wholesome, flavorful meal that the whole family will love. Its straightforward preparation means less fuss and more time enjoying good company and delicious food.

And let’s talk about the magic of leftovers! If you happen to have any remaining (which is a big “if” considering how tasty this dish is), they are absolutely fantastic. This casserole transforms beautifully into various second-day meals. Wrap some in a warm tortilla for an impromptu burrito, or scoop it up with your favorite tortilla chips for an unbeatable dip. It’s so good, you might just find yourself intentionally making extra!

If you’re already a fan of comforting, flavor-packed Latin-inspired casserole dishes, you might also want to explore our Frito Pie Casserole Recipe or our hearty Chile Relleno Casserole. These recipes offer similar ease and deliciousness, perfect for expanding your repertoire of family favorites.

Ingredients Needed for Your Mexican Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

The beauty of this Mexican ground beef and rice casserole lies in its use of everyday, accessible ingredients. You won’t find anything exotic or hard to source here, ensuring that this flavorful meal is always within reach. While many recipes might suggest a packet of taco seasoning mix for convenience, we highly recommend taking a few extra minutes to create your own spice blend. The difference in depth of flavor and freshness is truly remarkable and entirely worth the small effort!

Our carefully crafted spice mix elevates this dish from good to outstanding, allowing you to control the quality and intensity of each flavor note. By using individual spices, you avoid the additives and excess sodium often found in pre-packaged mixes, resulting in a cleaner, more authentic taste that perfectly complements the rich ground beef and tender rice.

Here’s a breakdown of the simple yet powerful ingredients that come together to create this incredible dish:

• Protein: Lean ground beef forms the hearty base of this casserole, absorbing all the wonderful spices and flavors.
• Aromatics: Diced onion and red bell pepper provide a sweet and savory foundation, while fresh minced garlic adds a pungent depth that is essential for Mexican cooking.
• Richness: Tomato paste contributes a concentrated umami flavor and helps thicken the sauce, binding all the elements together.
• Grains: Long-grain white rice cooks directly in the casserole, soaking up the savory beef broth and spices, resulting in perfectly tender, flavorful grains.
• Liquid: Beef stock ensures the rice cooks beautifully and infuses the entire dish with a rich, savory essence.
• Veggies & Beans: Canned corn and black beans add sweetness, earthiness, and a creamy texture, along with a boost of fiber.
• Cheese: A blend of shredded Cheddar and Pepper Jack cheeses provides a golden, bubbly top and a creamy, spicy kick throughout the casserole. Feel free to adjust the cheese blend to your preference!
• Homemade Spice Mix: Our unique blend of chili powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, red pepper flakes, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper creates the signature Mexican flavor profile that makes this casserole irresistible.

How To Make Mexican Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

Creating this satisfying Mexican ground beef and rice casserole is a straightforward process, designed for efficiency and maximum flavor. Follow these simple steps to bring a delicious, comforting meal to your table in no time:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and cook for approximately two minutes, until they begin to soften and become fragrant. This initial step builds the aromatic foundation for the entire dish.

   
   

   
   

2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and bell pepper. Break it up into smaller pieces with a spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is almost entirely done and no longer pink. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Ensure the beef is well-browned for optimal flavor development.

   
   

   
   

3. Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Once the ground beef is thoroughly cooked, drain any excess fat if necessary. Add all the measured spices (chili powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, red pepper flakes, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper) and the tomato paste. Continue to cook for one minute, stirring constantly with a spatula to combine everything well. This step “blooms” the spices, intensifying their flavors.

4. Combine and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and mix thoroughly. Then, add the uncooked rice, drained black beans, corn kernels, and fire-roasted tomatoes (if using – the original mentions chiles, so ensure these are added if desired). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for approximately 25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and tender, absorbing all the delicious liquid and flavors.

   
   

   
   

5. Melt the Cheese: While the rice is cooking, mix the two shredded cheeses (Cheddar and Pepper Jack) together in a bowl. Once the rice is tender, remove the lid from the skillet and stir in half of the mixed cheese, combining it throughout the casserole. Smooth the top of the casserole and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the surface. Cover the skillet again for about a minute, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.

6. Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and serve your delicious Mexican ground beef and rice casserole immediately. For an even more cohesive flavor and slightly thicker texture, you can let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with your favorite fresh toppings like cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado, or jalapeños to add an extra layer of freshness and crunch.

   
   

   
   

This Mexican ground beef and rice casserole delivers an incredible combination of textures and flavors while being remarkably kind to your budget. It’s also an excellent dish for meal prepping, allowing you to make it ahead of time and have a ready-to-enjoy meal waiting in the fridge or freezer. This recipe is undeniably a keeper, destined to become a regular feature in your family’s meal rotation!

Expert Tips for the Best Mexican Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Achieving a perfectly cooked, flavorful casserole requires just a few thoughtful considerations. Here are some expert tips to ensure your Mexican Ground Beef and Rice Casserole turns out spectacular every single time:

• Mastering the Rice: Perfectly cooked rice within a casserole can be tricky – too little liquid, and it’s crunchy; too much, and it’s mushy. The key is to ensure you bring the entire mixture to a vigorous simmer before immediately lowering the heat to low, then covering the pot tightly. This creates a steamy environment that allows the rice to cook evenly, absorbing all the savory broth, spices, and juices from the ground beef. Resist the urge to lift the lid during the cooking time!
• Drain Excess Fat: After browning your ground beef, it’s crucial to drain any excess grease. This prevents your casserole from becoming oily and ensures that the rich flavors of your spices and other ingredients truly shine through without being masked by fat.
• Blooming Your Spices: When you add the spices and tomato paste, cook them for a minute or two, stirring constantly, before adding the liquid. This process, known as “blooming,” gently toasts the spices in the hot oil, unlocking their full aromatic potential and deepening their flavor significantly.
• Fresh Garnishes Make a Difference: While delicious on its own, this casserole truly sings with fresh garnishes. Consider a vibrant sprinkle of fresh cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeños for an extra kick, crisp green onions, a few slices of radish for a peppery crunch, or a dollop of cool sour cream or Mexican crema. These additions provide contrast in flavor and texture, elevating the entire dish.
• Allow for Resting Time: You can serve this dish immediately, but allowing it to rest for 5-10 minutes off the heat after the cheese has melted makes a noticeable difference. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld together even more harmoniously and gives the casserole a chance to thicken up slightly, making for a more texturally pleasing and satisfying bite.
• Choose the Right Pot: Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents burning, allowing the rice to cook consistently.

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Mexican Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

One of the best aspects of this Mexican ground beef and rice casserole is its incredible adaptability. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and flavor profiles to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are several exciting variations to try:

• For a Vegetarian Twist: Easily transform this hearty casserole into a plant-based delight. Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu, a plant-based ground meat alternative, or even a mix of lentils and mushrooms. Ensure your vegetarian protein is well-seasoned to mimic the rich flavors of the original.
• Adjusting the Heat Level: If you love a fiery kick, there are countless ways to amp up the heat. Add a few dashes of cayenne pepper directly into the spice mix. Incorporate finely diced fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers (seeds removed for milder heat, left in for more intensity) when you sauté the onions. A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce over each serving or a can of diced green chiles (like Hatch chiles) added with the corn and beans will also do the trick.
• Cheese Exploration: This recipe uses a delightful mixture of Pepper Jack and Cheddar cheeses for a balance of spice and creaminess. But by all means, play around with the cheese! For a more stringy, stretchy cheese party, throw in some shredded mozzarella. Crumbled cotija cheese, added after cooking, will bring a more authentic, salty, and crumbly Mexican flavor. Other great options include Monterey Jack, Asadero, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses.
• Alternative Grains: While white long-grain rice is traditional, you can easily substitute it with brown rice for a healthier, nuttier, and chewier option. Just remember that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and potentially more liquid, so adjust accordingly. Quinoa or even riced cauliflower could also be used for a low-carb alternative.
• Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutritional content and freshness by incorporating more vegetables. Spinach or finely chopped zucchini can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking. Diced sweet potatoes can be added with the onions for a sweeter, heartier casserole.
• Bean Alternatives: Swap out the black beans for pinto beans, kidney beans, or even a mix of different beans to change the texture and flavor profile slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Other Delicious Latin-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re looking to continue your culinary journey through the vibrant and diverse flavors of Latin American cuisine, we have more mouth-watering recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. Each dish brings its own unique blend of spices, textures, and comfort.

Mexican Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

This Mexican ground beef casserole is budget-friendly, easy to make, and irresistibly tasty. Enjoy a hearty feast without a fuss!

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Mexican, Tex-Mex

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Resting Time (optional): 5 minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 668 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 1 cup Onion, diced
• 1/2 cup Red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 lb Ground beef
• 4 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1 cup Rice, long grain, white
• 2 1/4 cup Beef stock
• 14 oz Corn, canned (drained)
• 14 oz Black beans, canned (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
• (Optional) 1 can (4oz) diced green chiles

Spice Mix

• 1 tbsp Chili powder
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Coriander
• 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up into smaller pieces, until it’s almost done and most of the pink is gone. Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking until no pink remains in the beef, about 1-2 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add all the spice mix ingredients (chili powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, red pepper flakes, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper) and the tomato paste to the beef mixture. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to combine well and toast the spices.
4. Pour in the beef stock. Then add the uncooked long-grain white rice, drained corn, and drained black beans (and optional diced green chiles). Stir everything thoroughly.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and cook for approximately 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. While the rice cooks, mix the shredded Cheddar and Pepper Jack cheeses in a bowl. Once the rice is done, remove the lid. Stir half of the mixed cheese into the casserole. Smooth the top surface, then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the casserole. Cover the skillet again for about 1 minute, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
7. Remove from heat. Serve immediately, or let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños as desired.

Notes

Leftovers: Cool any leftover casserole completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until thoroughly warm.

Freezing: This casserole freezes well. After assembling and cooking (up to the point before adding the final cheese layer), let it cool completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking with the final cheese layer until heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 668kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 966mg | Potassium: 1049mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1661IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 355mg | Iron: 5mg