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Mexican Beef And Rice Casserole

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overhead shot of a baking dish of Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole
Check out this tasty Mexican beef and rice casserole that's loaded with beef, cheese, and rice to create a delicious and filling recipe to enjoy for an evening meal.
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Table of Contents
  1. Mexican Beef And Rice Casserole Ingredients
  2. Substitutions And Additions
  3. How To Make This Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
  4. How To Serve
  5. Storage
  6. Frequently Asked Questions
  7. More Recipes You’ll Love
  8. JUMP TO RECIPE

Mexican beef and rice casserole ticks all of the boxes. There’s tons of cheesy flavor, it’s loaded with hearty seasoned beef and taco toppings, it looks delicious, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner option.

overhead shot of a baking dish of Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole

Mexican Beef And Rice Casserole Ingredients

Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole raw ingredients that are labeled
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You’ll need:

  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 pound of lean or extra-lean ground beef
  • 1 (15-ounce) can of corn kernels, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 envelope of taco seasoning, 2 tablespoons
  • 1 (14-ounce) jar of chunky salsa, mild or medium
  • 1 cup of minute rice, uncooked
  • 1½ cups of chicken broth, low sodium
  • 2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese, divided in half

PRO TIP:

It is very important to use minute rice for this recipe. It won’t work with regular rice.

Substitutions And Additions

MEXICAN CHEESE: If you can’t find a Mexican cheese blend, any cheese that melts well will work. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and even cheddar cheese are all tasty options.

CORN: Frozen corn can be used if you don’t have any fresh corn kernels handy. Defrost them in warm water before adding them to this Mexican casserole.

VEGGIES: Green bell peppers and green chilies are both great options to add to this tasty casserole.

SPICE: Adjust the heat level with a dash of hot sauce or chili powder in your casserole.

How To Make This Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

This is a great freezer meal. Double your recipe and make a second casserole dish of this delicious meal for later.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

STEP TWO: In a large skillet, cook the white onion and garlic with olive oil over high heat until the onions have softened and the garlic is just starting to brown.

Pour the onion mixture into the prepared baking dish.

onion and garlic being cooked in a skillet of olive oil

STEP THREE: Using the same frying pan, brown meat over high heat. Break up the beef into crumbles while cooking. Be careful not to overcook, it shouldn’t be crispy.

PRO TIP:

For an even quicker cooking time, the ground beef and onions can be cooked ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to a month.

ground beef being cooked in the skillet

STEP FOUR: Once the meat is thoroughly cooked, drain off a bit of the grease and then pour it into the baking dish.

STEP FIVE: Add the corn, black beans, taco seasoning mix, salsa, uncooked rice, and 1 cup of shredded cheese to the baking dish.

Leave the remaining shredded cheese for the top.

casserole ingredients added to a baking dish

STEP SIX: Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients and stir until it is mixed well.

STEP SEVEN: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.

casserole after being baked in a baking dish

STEP EIGHT: Remove from the oven and check that the rice has softened. If not, place it back into the oven for an additional five minutes and check again.

If the rice has softened, remove all foil and sprinkle the remaining one cup of cheese over top of the casserole, and bake uncovered for an additional five minutes to melt the cheese.

shredded cheese placed on top of the casserole then baked

STEP NINE: Serve this cheesy casserole hot.

How To Serve

Top your Mexican rice casserole with salsa, sour cream, green onions, fresh tomatoes, and guacamole.

This recipe is filling, but if you want something to serve with it, why not try a Mexican corn salad? Or you could make a simple but colorful Mexican layered salad with it.

If you are looking for more Tex-Mex casserole recipes, our Dorito casserole and Mexican casserole are two more winners. Our chicken and rice casserole is also a reader favorite!

Storage

IN THE FRIDGE: You can store any leftovers of this Mexican ground beef casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days.

Make sure the casserole is completely cooled before refrigerating.

IN THE FREEZER: If you want to freeze some or all of this Mexican beef and rice, then you should let it cool and store it in an airtight container or wrap the casserole dish thoroughly.

Store it in the freezer for up to three months, defrost, and reheat in the oven before serving.

close up shot of a plate of Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole

This tasty Mexican beef and rice casserole is a great recipe for a simple evening meal that the whole family will enjoy. It is also the basis for things like stuffed peppers, so there’s loads you can do once you master it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This easy ground beef recipe is a great freezer meal. You can make the entire casserole, let it cook, cover, and freeze it. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake.

Can I use ground pork in this recipe?

Any ground meat would be fine in this recipe in place of ground beef.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

If you leave out the ground meat, switch to vegetable broth, and increase the quantity of beans in this dish, you’ll have a great vegetarian option.

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overhead shot of a baking dish of Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole

Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole

4.97 from 59 votes
Check out this tasty Mexican beef and rice casserole that's loaded with beef, cheese, and rice to create a delicious and filling recipe to enjoy for an evening meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 7

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
  • cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese, divided in half

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375F°F.
  • Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  • In a large frying pan, cook white onion and garlic with olive oil over high heat until the onions have softened and the garlic is just starting to brown. Pour the onion mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  • Using the same frying pan, cook ground beef over high heat. Break up beef into crumbles while baking. Be careful not to overcook, it shouldn’t be crispy.
  • Once the meat has thoroughly cooked, drain off a bit of the grease and then pour it into the baking dish.
  • Add corn, black beans, taco seasoning, salsa, uncooked minute rice, and 1 cup of shredded cheese to the baking dish and stir well to mix. Leave the remaining cheese for the top.
  • Pour chicken broth over ingredients and mix well.
  • Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and check that the rice has softened. If not, place it back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes and check again. If the rice has softened, remove all foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over top of the casserole, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

  • It is very important to use minute rice for this recipe. It won’t work with regular rice.
  • This is a great freezer meal. Double your recipe and make a second casserole dish of this delicious meal for later. 
  • For an even quicker cooking time, the ground beef and onions can be cooked ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to a month.

Nutrition

Calories: 426kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 1601mg | Potassium: 754mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 979IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 270mg | Iron: 5mg
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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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    Comments

  1. Morgan says

    5 stars
    I usually don’t make a recipe unless it has several reviews to see what others have said after making it. I’m glad I made this one anyway! Absolutely delicious and super easy.

  2. Tami says

    I haven’t made this recipe yet. Would anyone have a suggestion what I could swap the black beans for?

    Thank you

  3. Erin Holmes says

    5 stars
    This has become a family favriote. I use beef broth instead of chicken and leave out the black beans. I also use old cheddar. Leftovers are even better and plenty for our family of 4. Thank you for such a tasty easy meal. I have picky eaters and this was a win.

  4. Debra says

    5 stars
    Delicious and simple! I made corn tortillas with it and it’s great with or without! I also love sour cream on top! It’s the perfect quick and easy meal!

    • Gianna says

      5 stars
      Only adjustment I made was adding 2 cups broth. Rice turned out great in the casserole! Everyone loved it even my toddlers!

    • Layne Kangas says

      Hi, Terry – here are our storage suggestions:
      IN THE FRIDGE: You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Make sure the food is completely cooled before refrigerating.
      IN THE FREEZER: If you want to freeze some or all of this Mexican beef and rice, then you should let it cool and store it in an airtight container or wrap the casserole dish thoroughly. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months, defrost and reheat in the oven before serving.

  5. A Canales says

    5 stars
    I used leftover rice and fire roasted corn, and as stuffed bell pepper filling. Was delicious! Also had enough to freeze and use later for baked burritos (added chipotle salsa). So good & versatile!

  6. Angela says

    5 stars
    I used leftover rice and fire roasted corn, and as stuffed bell pepper filling. Was delicious! Also had enough to freeze and use later for baked burritos (added chipotle salsa). So good & versatile!

  7. Tara says

    3 stars
    Next time I am cooking the rice before I mix it in. The rice is taking forever to soften and the meal is over done. I put the require liquids in and follow the directions.

  8. Tamy says

    5 stars
    Oh yummy this is in my oven and the smells are amazing. I have my 11 yr old grandson tonight hope he loves it

  9. Stephanie M says

    5 stars
    I would make with ground beef and most likely make it very spicy. Spicy is just what I do, lol.

  10. Sandy Owen says

    5 stars
    This is delicious!!! I love to top with a generous amount of crushed tortilla chips or even nacho cheese flavored chips! YUM!!

  11. Cathy Gallop says

    5 stars
    I would make this with ground beef, maybe not extra spicy but spicy with a mixture of Mexican cheese and pepper jack cheese.
    I would add extra onions, bell pepper, would use tortilla chips and add avocado
    Before serving.
    I would use black beans or pinto or ranch style
    Also could change out white rice with yellow rice
    Yummy

  12. Michelle says

    5 stars
    This recipe I would use a Mexican cheese blend. I would also a spanish rice and Mexican fried corn with my spanish red beans.

  13. Heather Swank says

    5 stars
    This looks delicious! I’d make this with beef as suggested, rather than ground turkey. Hope I win the Amazon card!

  14. Lynne Ross says

    I would definitely use ground meat and you could use this in ft, tacos, enchaladas . casidias, any Mexican dish

  15. Maria Elliott says

    I would make this with either ground beef, turkey or even ground venison. I’m going to make this this week. Grandchildren are visiting and they love all of these ingredients. Thank you for your yummy recipes

  16. Elaine says

    5 stars
    So yummy. I would definitely use black beans as they are my favorite. Might add a small can of green chilies too.

  17. Sandra Moon says

    I’m so looking forward to making this!! It sounds and looks amazingly delicious 🤤😋!! It’s a dish my entire family will love and so easily prepared as well…

  18. Mary T Morris says

    5 stars
    I like to mix ground beef and ground turkey, so I would probably do the same in making this! I also would use a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses. This looks absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to make it!

  19. Jennifer Chastain says

    I make a version of this where I use riced cauliflower and cut back on the minute rice – still yummy!

  20. Lori Pennington says

    5 stars
    Made something similar to the Mexican rice casserole but I used turkey burger it was so good but next time I am gonna use hamburger

  21. Diana Zimmerman says

    5 stars
    I would use Pinto beans because my husband doesn’t like black beans, but other than that I would keep everything else the same. Sounds delicious, can’t wait to try it.

  22. Ann says

    5 stars
    Great essy recipe and really I like to use Taco cheese. Also a jalapeño pepper would add flavor as well as a few flakes of crushed red pepper flakes. I would eat with warm corn tortillas on the side. Great go to recipe. Also, at least soften the rice before putting it in, rice takes awhile to soften.

  23. Devin Barfield says

    Yum! I’d do half with black beans and half without for my husband who doesn’t prefer them.

  24. Belinda says

    5 stars
    I just made this last night but substituted chicken instead of beef. Also added green bell peppers and cream cheese. It was a big hit!

  25. Aaron says

    5 stars
    Looks Delicious!I Would definitely use ground beef and add sour cream then eat it with nacho chips.

  26. Dorothy linton says

    5 stars
    This recipe looks delicious, I would eat it with chips, black beans, ground beef, Mexican cheese. Can’t wait to try it,

  27. Stephanie says

    5 stars
    I look forward to trying this recipes with Nacho shredded cheese & TexMex shredded cheese 🤪

  28. Susan Huddleston says

    5 stars
    I make my own version of Mexican Beef and Rice. I use mixed vegetables instead of only corn. I also add a 14 oz can of diced tomatoes. I don’t use beans in this recipe at all. I serve it with Ranch Doritos and sour cream.

  29. Karen says

    5 stars
    I would make it with pepper jack cheese. We love spicy food at our house! Can’t wait to try this! Thanks for a great recipe!!

  30. Patricia Hibbard says

    5 stars
    Swapping turkey for ground beef or maybe shredded chicken. Swapping pinto beans for black beans. This looks great!

  31. De Dels says

    5 stars
    Loved this recipe. Everything worked as you instructed. Cooked up perfect and tasted great. Easy weeknight meal.

  32. Della James says

    5 stars
    Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole
    I followed the recipe as wrote , sand it was delicious. Also wrapped in large tortillas to make burritos the kids loved
    making their own. Or just as a dip with chips.

  33. Patty says

    5 stars
    This is wonderful and so filling. I added some color with red pepper, green pepper and yellow pepper. Also I used fresh salas. My new favorite.

  34. Cindy B Clements says

    5 stars
    Wonderful. I changed it a little according to what I had in the pantry. I used 1 can Mexican corn but left out the beans. I added 1 can green chili peppers plus a 1bsp of better than bullion smoky chipotle and 1 can of Rotel 2 packs of Korr Mexican rice. I left out garlic.

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