Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice: A Flavorful One-Pan Wonder

If you're looking for a hearty, comforting, and delicious meal that the whole family will love, then this Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice is the perfect dish! 

Packed with bold Mexican flavors, tender ground beef, perfectly seasoned rice, and a gooey cheesy topping, this casserole is a complete meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup and more convenience.

• Quick and Easy – Ready in under an hour.

• Family-Friendly – A hit with both kids and adults.

• Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences.

• Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for meal prepping and freezing.

Ingredients

To make this Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice, you’ll need:

For the Base:

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 1/2 cups beef broth

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

• 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)

• Sliced jalapeños, avocado, or extra salsa (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease, then add the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

2. Add Rice and Seasonings

To the same skillet, add the uncooked rice, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and toast the rice slightly for 1-2 minutes. This enhances the flavor and ensures a great texture.

3. Mix in Wet Ingredients

Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.

4. Simmer the Casserole

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and let it cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

5. Add the Cheese

Once the rice is fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top. Cover the pan for a few minutes until the cheese melts, or place it under a broiler for 2-3 minutes for a golden, bubbly topping.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or avocado. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and warm tortillas for an extra treat.

Tips for the Best Mexican Casserole

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pr-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.

• Rinse the Rice – Washing the rice removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming mushy.

• Make it Spicy – Add a diced jalapeño to the meat mixture or use extra chili powder for more heat.

• Substitute Brown Rice – If using brown rice, increase the liquid by 1/2 cup and extend the cooking time by 10 minutes.

• Make It Vegetarian – Replace the ground beef with extra beans or a meat substitute like lentils.

FAQs About Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice

1. Can I Make This Casserole in Advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point before adding cheese, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, add cheese, and bake until melted.

2. Can I Freeze This Casserole?

Yes! Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through.

3. Can I Use Pr-Cooked Rice?

You can, but you’ll need to reduce the broth to about 1/2 cup. Add the cooked rice towards the end and mix well before adding cheese.

4. What Side Dishes Pair Well With This Casserole?

This dish is a meal on its own, but you can serve it with:

• A simple side salad with avocado

• Warm tortillas or cornbread

• Guacamole and chips

• Roasted vegetables

5. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warm.

6. Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Brown the ground beef first, then transfer everything except the cheese to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the cheese towards the last 30 minutes before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice is a perfect weeknight dinner, loaded with bold flavors, simple ingredients, and an easy cooking process. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a hungry family, or simply craving some comforting Mexican flavors, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home. Give it a try, and don’t forget to top it with your favorite garnishes for an extra punch of flavor!

Enjoy and happy cooking!