Mexican Beef Rice Casserole

I have to tell you, this Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice has become one of those recipes that I genuinely get excited to make. The first time I encountered a dish like this was at a potluck dinner where a friend brought what she called her "everything casserole." I was skeptical at first – casseroles can sometimes be bland or mushy – but one bite changed my mind completely. The way the rice absorbed all those savory, spiced flavors from the beef and taco seasoning, combined with the sweetness of corn and the slight char taste from the bell peppers, created this incredible depth of flavor. When I recreated it at home, I played around with the ratios until I got the perfect balance: enough beef to make it hearty, enough rice to make it filling, and enough cheese to make it absolutely irresistible. What I love most is how forgiving this recipe is. You can adjust the spice level, swap in different colored peppers, use ground turkey instead of beef, or even add some diced tomatoes if you want more moisture. Every time I make it, my kitchen smells like a Mexican restaurant, and that moment when I pull it from the oven with the cheese all golden and bubbly never gets old. It's become my signature dish for gatherings because it feeds a crowd, holds up well, and honestly, people always ask for the recipe.

Why I love this recipe

There are so many reasons why this Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice holds a special place in my cooking rotation. First and foremost, it's incredibly practical – one pan, one oven, minimal dishes to wash afterward. In our busy lives, that convenience factor cannot be overstated. But beyond the ease of preparation, there's something deeply satisfying about the way all these ingredients come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. The ground beef gets beautifully browned and seasoned, the rice cooks to fluffy perfection while absorbing all those rich flavors, and the cheese melts into every nook and cranny, creating pockets of gooey goodness throughout. I love that it's adaptable to what I have on hand – sometimes I add jalapeños for heat, sometimes I throw in some diced tomatoes, and sometimes I use up leftover vegetables from the fridge. The visual appeal matters too; those vibrant peppers and golden corn create a colorful mosaic that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Most importantly, this recipe brings people together around the table. Whether it's a weeknight family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, everyone digs in with enthusiasm, and there's something wonderful about watching people enjoy food you've made with your own hands.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Ground beef: Brown thoroughly until no pink remains, then drain excess fat for a less greasy casserole
• Long-grain white rice: Use uncooked rice that will absorb the broth and flavors as it bakes
• Black beans: Drain and rinse well to remove excess sodium and starch
• Bell peppers: Dice into small, uniform pieces for even cooking and visual appeal
• Beef broth: Use low-sodium if you're watching salt intake, as taco seasoning adds plenty of flavor
• Mexican cheese blend: Shred from a block for better melting, or use pre-shredded for convenience

Let's Make These Together

Brown and Season the Beef

Start by heating your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks, ensuring even browning throughout. Once the meat is fully cooked with no pink remaining, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy. Return the beef to the heat and sprinkle in your taco seasoning, stirring thoroughly so every bit of meat is coated with those delicious spices. This creates the flavor foundation for your entire dish.

Build the Vegetable Base

Add your diced bell peppers directly to the seasoned beef and sauté them for a few minutes until they start to soften slightly. The peppers will release some of their natural sweetness and add beautiful color to your casserole. Stir in the uncooked rice at this stage, mixing it thoroughly with the beef and peppers so that every grain will be infused with flavor as it cooks.

Create the Liquid Mixture

Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This is when the magic starts to happen – the rice begins to absorb the seasoned liquid, the flavors start to meld together, and your kitchen fills with an incredible aroma. Fold in the black beans and corn, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture. These ingredients add texture, nutrition, and pops of color that make the final dish so visually appealing.

Bake Until Perfect

Cover your skillet tightly with foil to trap all that steam and moisture, which is essential for cooking the rice properly. Slide it into your preheated oven and let it bake undisturbed for about 25 minutes. The rice will absorb the liquid, the flavors will concentrate, and everything will cook together into one cohesive, delicious casserole. When you pull it out, the rice should be tender and the mixture should look moist but not soupy.

Finish with Cheesy Perfection

Remove the foil carefully (watch out for that hot steam!) and sprinkle a generous, even layer of shredded Mexican cheese across the entire top. Switch your oven to broil and return the casserole for just a few minutes, keeping a close eye on it. You want that cheese to melt completely and develop golden brown bubbles on top. Once it's perfectly melted and slightly browned, remove it from the oven, scatter fresh cilantro over the top, and let it rest for five minutes before serving. This resting time allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve neat portions.

pin it

Switch Things Up

I first made this casserole on a Tuesday evening when I had a house full of hungry teenagers after soccer practice. I was scrambling for something that would feed the crowd without breaking the bank or requiring multiple trips to the stove. I remembered my grandmother's Spanish rice recipe and thought, why not turn it into a hearty casserole? I browned the ground beef with some taco seasoning, threw in whatever peppers I had in the fridge, added rice and broth, and let it all simmer together. The magic happened when I topped it with a generous layer of cheese and popped it under the broiler for a few minutes. The kids devoured it, cheese stretching from spoon to mouth, and I knew I had stumbled onto something special. Now it's become my go-to recipe whenever I need something reliable, delicious, and crowd-pleasing. I've made it for potlucks, busy weeknights, and even Sunday meal prep sessions. The best part? It tastes even better the next day when all those flavors have had time to meld together in the fridge.

Perfect Pairings

This Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and toppings that enhance its bold flavors. Serve it alongside a crisp romaine salad with lime-cilantro dressing to add freshness and crunch. Tortilla chips with chunky guacamole or fresh pico de gallo make excellent accompaniments, providing contrasting textures and cool, tangy notes. For added richness, dollop some sour cream or Mexican crema on top of each serving. Warm flour tortillas on the side turn this into an interactive meal where everyone can build their own loaded wraps. If you want to add more heat, sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce work wonders. A cold Mexican beer or homemade agua fresca rounds out the meal perfectly, creating a complete Mexican-inspired feast.

pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this casserole up to the point of adding the cheese, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. Add the cheese during the last few minutes and broil until golden.

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice takes longer to cook (about 45-50 minutes) and requires more liquid – use 2.5 cups of broth instead of 2 cups. You may also want to partially cook the brown rice before adding it to the casserole to ensure even cooking.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water if the rice seems dry. This casserole also freezes well for up to 3 months – thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ What can I use instead of taco seasoning?

You can easily make your own taco seasoning blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Use about 2-3 tablespoons of this homemade mix, adjusting to your taste preference. This also allows you to control the sodium content and spice level more precisely.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. Consider adding diced zucchini, chopped spinach, diced tomatoes, or sliced mushrooms. Just be mindful of vegetables with high water content (like tomatoes or zucchini) as they may make the casserole slightly wetter – you might need to reduce the broth by 1/4 cup if adding these. Add heartier vegetables like the peppers at the beginning, and more delicate greens during the last 10 minutes of baking.

→ Why is my rice still crunchy after baking?

If your rice is undercooked, it likely needed more liquid or more time. Make sure you're using the correct rice-to-liquid ratio (1 cup rice to 2 cups liquid for white rice). Also ensure your casserole is tightly covered during baking to trap steam. If you find the rice is still crunchy, add 1/4 cup more broth, cover tightly, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes. Different rice brands can vary slightly in absorption rates.

Conclusion

This Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice is the ultimate weeknight hero that brings bold flavors and satisfying comfort to your dinner table. With its perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and carbs all in one dish, it's a complete meal that requires minimal cleanup. The combination of seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese creates a texture and flavor experience that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this casserole delivers every single time. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream, fresh salsa, or sliced avocado to take it to the next level.