A tasty rice dish with a Mexican flair this Mexican Rice Casserole is easy, made in one dish and absolutely filling. The perfect weeknight meal.

I love casseroles, we do call this one a casserole. I know that they are usually baked but we still have always called it a casserole since everything is mixed together.

The flavors in this dish are to die for. If you like a tex-mex flavor than this is exactly what you need. We absolutely cannot get enough of it for dinnertime!

My kids love tacos, burritos and all that stuff so when I make our Mexican Rice Casserole they practically eat the whole thing and never leave anything left.

But that is a good sign, if my kids enjoy it that really shows something because you know how kids can be, super picky. But with this recipe, they can’t get enough.

You can easily swap things out in this dish to make it your own and to your specific flavors. The way we make it has always been our favorite but do switch it up from time to time.

Easy to find ingredients also helps bring this together, nothing weird or complicated go in this and that what is what makes it super easy to whip up.

Some of our other favorite casseroles we have on our site include: Tuna Noodle Casserole, Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole and Stuffed Pepper Casserole.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

Easily available ingredients help this come together quickly.
You can cater it to your own flavor profile.
Double this to make more for a larger group.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (FULL RECIPE BELOW):

Ground beef
Green bell pepper
Onion
Garlic
Taco seasoning
Black beans
Corn
Beef broth
Salsa
Tomato sauce
Long-grain white rice
Colby Jack cheese
Cilantro

HOW TO MAKE MEXICAN RICE CASSEROLE, STEP BY STEP:

In a large skillet with deep sides over medium heat add the ground beef, bell pepper, and onion, cook until the beef is no longer pink, break it up into crumbles. Drain any excess liquid. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Next, add the taco seasoning and mix it in.
Add the black beans, corn, beef broth, salsa, and tomato sauce, stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
Next add the rice and stir it in.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes. I like to stir it about every 10 minutes to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. It is done when the rice is tender and most of the liquid is evaporated, it will thicken more as it cools.
Take off the heat, add half of the cheese and stir it in.
Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, cover, and let it melt.
Add fresh chopped parsley, serve with your favorite taco toppings.

CAN I USE INSTANT RICE?

I do not suggest using instant rice in this recipe. The flavors need to meld and simmer together that is why we like to use long-grain white rice.

It takes longer too cook, but the rice will absorb the flavor of the liquid and the casserole itself so everything tastes the same and amazing together.

WHAT CAN I TOP THIS WITH?

This of this as a giant taco or burrito, you can top with any of your favorite taco toppings. Some ideas include:

Sour cream
Salsa
More cheese
Black olives
Shredded lettuce
Guacamole
Chopped jalapenos

HOW TO STORE:

This casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

This can also be frozen, place casserole in a freezer container or bag and place in the freezer where it will keep for up to 6 months.

To defrost, remove to the refrigerator overnight. This can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

TIPS AND TRICKS:

Make sure you use long-grain white rice and not instant.
You can substitute any cheese that you like, we also like plain cheddar or a mexican blend.
Frozen corn can be used.
We like to use lean ground beef usually at least 85/15 so it doesn’t produce as much grease.
If you have a homemade taco seasoning that you like to use, go for it!
This can be frozen, see my tips above on that.
You can add or take away any of the ingredients that you like such as the corn or beans.
Top with any of your favorite taco toppings.

If you want an easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love then you absolutely must make this Mexican Rice Casserole.

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If you’ve tried this MEXICAN RICE CASSEROLE or any other recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers! You can also follow along with me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes and what shenanigans I’m getting into!

Mexican Rice Casserole