A complete meal in itself, this amazing-tasting casserole is a perfect blend of melty cheese, seasoned beef and veggies, perfectly cooked rice, and classic fresh taco toppings. Perfectly adaptable to your taste, you can use your favorite taco toppings to customize it.
Ingredients For Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
- Onion
- Garlic
- Lean ground beef
- Green bell pepper
- Tomato paste
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Parsley flakes
- Chili powder
- Red pepper flakes
- Long-grain white rice
- Chicken broth
- Whole kernel corn
- Black beans
- Green onions
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese
How To Make Mexican Ground Beef Rice Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350 F.
- Cook the ground beef along with the onion, garlic, and bell pepper in a large skillet over medium-high heat, until no longer pink. Add the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, parsley, chili powder, and red pepper flakes.
Place the rice, black beans, corn, meat mixture, green onions, and half of the shredded cheddar in the baking dish. Pour the chicken broth over everything and stir until all ingredients are well combined. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil, add the remaining half of the cheese, and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How Can I Avoid Burning The Rice?
Cover your baking dish with foil to help the rice cook properly and only remove it to add cheese on top.
Can I Make This In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you certainly can! Cook the beef and veggies before adding them to the slow cooker, add the rest of the ingredients, but don’t mix in the cheese. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, then add the cheese on top and cover until melted.
How Do I Store And Reheat Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, add a splash or water or chicken broth before reheating in the microwave or in a 350 F oven. If using the oven, cover with foil before preheating.
Quick & Easy Mexican Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9x13-inch casserole dish
- Oven
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium green bell pepper
- 1- 6 oz can tomato paste
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp coriander
- 1 tsp parsley flakes
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 ¼ cup long grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1- 14 oz whole kernel corn, drained
- 1- 14 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 onions, sliced
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F.
- Cook the ground beef along with the onion, garlic, and bell pepper in a large skillet over medium-high heat, until no longer pink. Add the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, parsley, chili powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the rice, black beans, corn, meat mixture, green onions, and half of the shredded cheddar in the baking dish. Pour the chicken broth over everything and stir until all ingredients are well combined. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil, add the remaining half of the cheese, and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mexican Ground Beef Rice Casserole
1. What If I Don’t Have Long-Grain White Rice?
You can use your favorite rice, but avoid using brown rice, paella, risotto, or sushi rice. They require other methods of cooking.
2. Can I Substitute The Beef For Another Type Of Meat?
You can use ground chicken, turkey, a mixture of beef and pork (remove the extra fat rendered after cooking), or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
3. What If I Don’t Have All The Spices Listed?
You can use taco seasoning if you have it. Use whatever you have on hand, but try to at least add cumin and paprika.
4. Can I Make This Dish Without Cheese?
Absolutely! Cheese makes this casserole creamy and cheesy, but it tastes just as delicious without it.
5. How Can I Make The Casserole Spicier Or Milder?
To make it spicier, you can add chopped jalapenos or increase the amount of red pepper flakes. To make it milder, avoid using red pepper flakes.
6. Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead Of Fresh?
Yes, you can. And you don’t even need to thaw them before adding them to the mix.
7. What If The Rice Isn’t Cooked Through?
If the casserole runs out of liquid and the rice is not cooked yet, add a bit more liquid and bake for a few more minutes until the rice is done.
