Are you craving a dish that's both hearty and packed with flavor? Look no further than this Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole recipe! It's the perfect combination of savory beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich spices, all baked together into a delicious, cheesy casserole. Whether you're preparing a meal for your family or hosting a casual dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Read on to discover how to make this tasty casserole step-by-step, along with tips for variations, serving suggestions, and more!

What is Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole?
Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one dish that combines ground beef, rice, vegetables, and cheese, seasoned with classic Mexican spices. This casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The layers of flavor and texture make it a family favorite, and it’s a great way to enjoy the robust tastes of Mexican cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients List for Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole
- 1 pound ground beef: The base protein that gives the casserole its hearty foundation.
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning: Adds a blend of Mexican spices to the dish.
- 1 bunch spinach (ends trimmed and roughly chopped): Provides a nutritious and vibrant green element.
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels: Adds sweetness and texture.
- 14 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes (1 can): Gives a smoky flavor; can substitute with regular diced tomatoes if preferred.
- ½ cup salsa (store-bought): Enhances the casserole with additional layers of flavor.
- 2 cups Mexican 4 cheese blend (shredded): Creates a cheesy, gooey topping.
- 1 cup long grain rice (uncooked): The carbohydrate component that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium): Cooks the rice and adds depth to the casserole.
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped): For garnish and a fresh finish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Meat: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Rice: Swap long grain rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or black beans to increase the vegetable content and add more textures.
- Cheese: Use a different cheese blend like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a spicier pepper jack for variation in flavor.
- Seasoning: Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or adding fresh jalapeños.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole will bake evenly and achieve a perfect, bubbly top.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning, mixing well to coat the beef evenly.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add the chopped spinach and frozen corn kernels to the skillet, cooking until the spinach wilts and the corn is heated through.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the beef mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the fire roasted diced tomatoes, salsa, uncooked rice, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the rice is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining the Beef: Ensure you drain the fat from the beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Overcooking the Rice: Keep an eye on the casserole to avoid overcooking the rice, which can become mushy.
- Insufficient Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as you go to ensure the casserole is flavorful.
- Skipping the Foil: Don’t forget to cover the casserole with foil initially to allow the rice to cook properly without drying out.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole
- Accompaniments: Serve with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Tortilla Chips: Offer tortilla chips on the side for added crunch and to scoop up the casserole.
- Lime Wedges: Provide lime wedges for guests to squeeze over their portion for a zesty kick.
Presentation Ideas for Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole
- Colorful Garnishes: Top the casserole with additional fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serving Dish: Serve the casserole in a vibrant, oven-to-table dish to enhance the visual appeal.
- Individual Portions: Consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch.
Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Doubling the Recipe: Easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch for a crowd or for leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this casserole vegetarian? Yes, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or increase the amount of vegetables and beans.
2. How can I make the casserole spicier? Add diced jalapeños, use a spicier salsa, or increase the amount of taco seasoning.
3. What type of cheese works best? A blend of Mexican cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack provides a great combination of flavors and meltability.
4. Can I use instant rice? Yes, but adjust the cooking time according to the instant rice package instructions, as it cooks faster than long grain rice.
5. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
This Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for any occasion. With its blend of savory beef, flavorful spices, and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Try out the variations, serve it with complementary sides, and enjoy a meal that's both satisfying and full of vibrant Mexican flavors. Happy cooking!
PrintMexican Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish featuring ground beef, taco seasoning, spinach, corn, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, salsa, Mexican cheese blend, and rice. Cooked to perfection with chicken broth and topped with fresh cilantro. Ideal for a quick and satisfying family meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 bunch spinach (ends trimmed and roughly chopped)
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 14 ounce fire roasted diced tomatoes (1 can, can substitute with regular diced tomatoes)
- ½ cup salsa (store bought)
- 2 cups Mexican 4 cheese blend (shredded)
- 1 cup long grain rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning to the beef and mix well.
- Stir in spinach, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa. Cook until spinach is wilted.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine beef mixture, uncooked rice, chicken broth, and 1 cup of cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish. Cover with foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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