If you love comforting meals that bring together vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Mexican Rice Casserole with Ground Beef, Black Beans, and Cheese Recipe. Imagine tender, fluffy rice infused with savory ground beef seasoned perfectly with taco spices, punctuated by the creamy richness of melted Colby Jack cheese, and the hearty goodness of black beans and sweet corn—all baked to bubbling, cheesy perfection. It’s like a fiesta on your plate, cozy and satisfying enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, accessible ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the hearty protein to the vibrant vegetables and creamy cheese, every component shines through.
- Lean ground beef (1 pound): Provides a rich, savory base full of protein and flavor without excess grease.
- Green bell pepper (1 small, diced): Adds a fresh crunch and subtle sweetness that brighten the dish.
- Medium onion (1, diced): Gives depth with its natural sweetness and aroma when sautéed.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Elevates the overall flavor with its warm, inviting fragrance.
- Taco seasoning (1 packet): Brings authentic Mexican-inspired spices that tie all ingredients together beautifully.
- Black beans (1 can, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Adds fiber, texture, and a lovely earthiness.
- Corn (1 can, 15 ounces, drained): Imparts a touch of natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Ensures the rice cooks tender while infusing extra savory notes.
- Salsa (1 jar, 16 ounces): Contributes a zesty, tangy undertone that keeps every bite lively.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 8 ounces): Adds rich tomato flavor and helps marry all ingredients together.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup): The hearty base that soaks up all those incredible flavors.
- Colby Jack cheese (2 cups shredded, divided): Melts perfectly to create that irresistible gooey cheesy layer.
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish): Offers a fresh, herbal brightness that finishes the dish beautifully.
- Your favorite taco toppings: Customize the casserole with extra avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños for a personal touch.
How to Make Mexican Rice Casserole with Ground Beef, Black Beans, and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Vegetables
Start by heating a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef along with diced green bell pepper and onion. Cook everything together, breaking the beef apart as it browns, until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are softened. Drain off any excess grease for a cleaner taste. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook until its aroma fills your kitchen—this little step adds a big punch of flavor.
Step 2: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in a packet of taco seasoning and mix thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables. This seasoning blend is the heart of the dish, bringing traditional Mexican spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika that instantly transport your taste buds.
Step 3: Add the Beans, Corn, and Liquids
Next, pour in the drained black beans and corn, along with beef broth, salsa, and tomato sauce. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture up to a rolling boil. The combination of salsa and tomato sauce creates a rich sauce that simmers into the rice.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Once boiling, stir in the long-grain white rice. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet tightly. Let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. As the rice cooks, it will soak up all those glorious flavors and the liquid will gradually absorb, resulting in tender, fluffy grains fully infused with taste.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, incorporating it evenly throughout the casserole. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover again, and let the residual heat melt that glorious layer of cheese to gooey perfection.
How to Serve Mexican Rice Casserole with Ground Beef, Black Beans, and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro sprinkled just before serving lends a vibrant, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. You can also add dollops of sour cream, slices of avocado, or a few pickled jalapeños for a bright contrast and extra creaminess.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, serve it alongside a crisp green salad, warm corn tortillas, or some lightly charred grilled vegetables. These sides offer freshness and texture that complement the hearty casserole beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or bake it in mini cast iron skillets for single portions. Layer it with tortilla chips before baking for added crunch or top with crushed chips when serving for a festive Mexican-inspired presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors can actually deepen overnight, making this an excellent dish for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze this Mexican Rice Casserole with Ground Beef, Black Beans, and Cheese Recipe by placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will maintain its quality for up to three months. Just remember to leave off any fresh garnishes until after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Adding a splash of beef broth before reheating helps keep the rice moist and prevents drying out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as leaner alternatives, and even plant-based ground meat substitutes will keep this dish hearty and delicious.
Is this casserole spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
The heat level mainly depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you use. For a milder dish, choose a mild seasoning packet and salsa. To kick up the spice, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook and may absorb liquid differently. You might need to increase the cooking time and liquid slightly to ensure it becomes tender.
What cheese can I use if I don’t have Colby Jack?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are excellent substitutes that melt beautifully and complement the flavors perfectly.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the ground beef and add extra beans, vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, and increase the taco seasoning to keep it flavorful. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s rich in flavor, satisfying in every bite, and simple enough to make on a busy weeknight, this Mexican Rice Casserole with Ground Beef, Black Beans, and Cheese Recipe is your new go-to. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and comfort with every forkful. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation.
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Mexican Rice Casserole with Ground Beef, Black Beans, and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This hearty and flavorful Mexican Rice Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, black beans, corn, and rice simmered in a rich sauce made from salsa and tomato sauce, then topped with melted Colby Jack cheese. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it’s garnished with fresh cilantro and customizable taco toppings to add a fresh, zesty finish.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef (at least 85/15 lean)
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Canned Goods
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (16 ounce) jar salsa
Liquids and Grains
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Dairy and Garnishes
- 2 cups freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
- Fresh chopped cilantro, for serving
- Your favorite taco toppings
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet with deep sides, brown the ground beef together with diced green bell pepper and onion over medium heat. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming oily.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices.
- Combine Beans, Corn, and Liquids: Pour in the black beans, drained corn, beef broth, salsa, and tomato sauce. Stir well and bring the entire mixture to a boil on medium-high heat.
- Simmer with Rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan and ensure it cooks evenly until tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, mixing it into the hot casserole until melted. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
- Allow Cheese to Melt: Cover the skillet again and let the residual heat melt the top layer of cheese. This usually takes a few minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the casserole and serve it alongside your preferred taco toppings for added flavor and texture. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and keep the dish healthy.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent rice from sticking to the pan bottom.
- Customize the toppings with sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, or chopped tomatoes for variety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with plant-based ground crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
