This Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice is a hearty, one-pot meal packed with bold spices, tender ground beef, fluffy rice, beans, corn, and melted cheese. It’s a comforting dinner that combines classic Mexican-inspired flavors with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish cooks in one pot and delivers a satisfying, family-friendly meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice is rich, filling, and incredibly easy to make. The rice cooks directly in the flavorful beef and broth mixture, soaking up all the spices for a delicious, savory result.
It’s also a complete meal in one pan with protein, grains, vegetables, and cheese. You can easily customize the spice level or add toppings like avocado, sour cream, or fresh herbs.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
500 g (1 lb) ground beef
1/3 cup tomato paste
1 1/4 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
2.5 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
1 (14 oz) can corn kernels, drained
1 (14 oz) can black beans, drained
1 bell pepper (capsicum), diced
1 cup green onions, chopped
2 cups shredded cheese
Mexican Spices
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1½ tablespoons dried oregano
3 teaspoons cumin
3 teaspoons coriander
3 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons paprika
1½ teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 1–2 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef and cook while breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the Mexican spices and cook for about 30 seconds to release the aroma.
- Add the diced bell pepper and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste and chicken broth until fully combined.
- Add the uncooked rice, corn, and black beans. Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cook for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the lid and stir in the green onions and half of the shredded cheese.
- Smooth the surface and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
- Cover the pot again for about 1 minute to melt the cheese.
- Serve the Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
Tips & Tricks
Use lean ground beef to prevent excess grease in the casserole.
Rinse the rice before cooking if you prefer a lighter texture.
If the rice absorbs liquid too quickly, add a splash of extra broth while cooking.
Top the casserole with sliced avocado, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: High protein, family-friendly comfort food
Notes
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Brown rice can be used instead of white rice, but it will require additional cooking time and liquid.
This dish is perfect for meal prep because it reheats very well.
Nutrition (Approximate)
Calories: 520
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 22 g
FAQ
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the dish fully and store it in the refrigerator, then reheat before serving.
Can I bake this casserole instead of cooking on the stovetop?
Yes. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish after cooking the beef and bake until the rice is tender.
Can I freeze Mexican ground beef casserole?
Yes. Allow it to cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
What toppings go well with this casserole?
Avocado, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños all work well.
Can I make this spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños, extra cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to increase the heat.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth if needed.
This casserole can also be frozen for longer storage.
Similar Recipes
Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 500 g 1 lb ground beef
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 1/4 cup long grain white rice uncooked
- 2.5 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 14 oz can corn kernels, drained
- 1 14 oz can black beans, drained
- 1 bell pepper capsicum, diced
- 1 cup green onions chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Mexican Spices
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1½ tablespoons dried oregano
- 3 teaspoons cumin
- 3 teaspoons coriander
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1½ teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 1–2 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef and cook while breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the Mexican spices and cook for about 30 seconds to release the aroma.
- Add the diced bell pepper and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste and chicken broth until fully combined.
- Add the uncooked rice, corn, and black beans. Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cook for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the lid and stir in the green onions and half of the shredded cheese.
- Smooth the surface and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
- Cover the pot again for about 1 minute to melt the cheese.
- Serve the Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
Notes
Conclusion
This Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together hearty ingredients and bold spices in one comforting meal. With tender beef, fluffy rice, beans, and melted cheese, it’s an easy recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.