The Ultimate Beginner-Friendly Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Say hello to your new go-to Mexican Rice Casserole! This foolproof recipe is packed with savory goodness—fluffy rice, seasoned chicken, black beans, and a cheesy topping that melts to perfection. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro in the kitchen, this dish is as easy as mix, bake, and serve! It’s hearty, satisfying, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavors that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Who’s ready for a delicious homemade feast with zero hassle? Try it tonight!
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- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or substitute with ground chicken for a lighter option)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup salsa (choose mild, medium, or hot depending on spice preference)
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large deep skillet, cook the ground beef (or ground chicken) over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
Cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink. If using ground chicken, it may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily. Set the skillet aside for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir everything together and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
At this point, add the taco seasoning mix and stir well, ensuring the spices coat the vegetables evenly. This step enhances the overall flavor of the casserole by allowing the spices to bloom in the heat.
Step 3: Add Rice, Beans, and Liquids
Once the vegetables have softened, add the uncooked long-grain white rice, drained black beans, frozen corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, salsa, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything thoroughly to combine the ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb all the liquid while cooking through.
Step 4: Check the Rice and Adjust as Needed
After about 20 minutes, check the rice. If it is still firm, allow it to cook for another 5 minutes. If there is excess liquid, remove the lid and let the dish simmer uncovered for a couple of minutes until the excess moisture evaporates.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Let It Melt
Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 5 minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly, creating a gooey, cheesy topping.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the casserole onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream, or avocado for added flavor and texture.
Enjoy your homemade Mexican Rice Casserole while it is hot!
Notes
Choosing the Right Meat
- Ground beef: Provides a rich, hearty flavor. Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to minimize excess grease.
- Ground chicken: A lighter alternative that still absorbs the spices well. It may require a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
Rice Selection and Preparation
- Always rinse the rice before adding it to the skillet. Rinsing removes excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Use long-grain white rice, as the cooking time and liquid ratio are based on this type. Instant or parboiled rice will not yield the same results.
Customizing the Spice Level
- The heat level of this dish depends on the taco seasoning, salsa, and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- For a milder dish, use mild salsa and plain diced tomatoes instead of those with chilies.
- For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños, hot salsa, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
How to Tell if the Casserole is Cooked Properly
- The rice should be tender and have absorbed all the liquid. If it is still hard, cover and cook for a few more minutes.
- If the dish is too dry, add a small amount of broth and stir.
- The cheese should be fully melted before serving.