Say less 😌 here’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing Mexican Beef & Rice Casserole—easy, cheesy, and very weeknight-friendly.
🌶️ Mexican Beef & Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or long-grain)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or DIY)
- 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 can black beans, drained & rinsed (optional but great)
- 1½–2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, green onions, jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C.
- Brown the beef in a skillet with onion until cooked; drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Season it up: Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, broth, rice, corn, and beans. Season lightly with salt & pepper.
- Assemble: Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until rice is tender.
- Cheese time 🧀: Uncover, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake 10 more minutes until melty and bubbly.
- Rest 5 minutes, then top and serve.
🔥 Easy swaps & upgrades
- Use ground turkey or chorizo
- Add bell peppers or green chiles
- Make it spicy with chipotle powder or hot salsa
- Serve with tortilla chips or wrapped in burritos
Want a one-pan skillet version, slow cooker, or extra spicy Tex-Mex twist?
