Sizzling Mexican Casserole Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Fiesta

Crafting a delectable mexican casserole promises a culinary adventure that’ll transport you straight to comfort food paradise.

Layers of vibrant ingredients meld together in a harmonious dance of flavor and texture.

Spicy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, this dish speaks to soul-warming meals that bring people closer.

Forget complicated cooking techniques – this recipe welcomes home chefs of all skill levels.

Crispy tortillas, melted cheese, and zesty seasonings create a symphony of tastes that’ll make mouths water.

Hunger will strike the moment you catch a whiff of this mouthwatering creation.

Dive into this Mexican-inspired masterpiece and prepare for a meal that’ll become an instant family favorite.

Simple Twists For Mexican Casserole

• Vegetarian Mexican Rice Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted sweet potatoes for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, adding enchilada sauce instead of salsa for a classic Mexican-inspired alternative.
• Gluten-Free Quinoa Casserole: Substitute rice with quinoa for a protein-packed, gluten-free base that offers similar texture and absorbs seasonings beautifully.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the dish's vibrant southwestern essence intact.

Best Pairings For Mexican Casserole

• Crisp Margarita Companion: Blend a classic margarita with fresh lime and tequila to complement the casserole's bold Mexican-inspired flavors, cutting through the richness with bright citrus notes.
• Cool Cucumber Salad Sidekick: Prepare a refreshing cucumber salad with lime juice and fresh herbs to balance the casserole's warm, spicy profile and provide a light, crisp contrast.
• Mexican Beer Harmony: Serve an ice-cold Corona or Modelo Especial with a lime wedge, whose light, crisp character perfectly matches the hearty beef and cheese layers.

Storage Ideas For Mexican Casserole

• Store leftovers in sealed glass or plastic containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air, and freeze up to 2-3 months for future quick meals.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until internal temperature reaches 165°F, stirring midway.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until thoroughly heated and cheese melts smoothly.

FAQs About Mexican Casserole

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on your taco seasoning and jalapeños. You can control spiciness by choosing mild seasoning or reducing jalapeño quantity.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans for protein. Ensure all other ingredients remain the same.

• What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice or brown rice are excellent choices. Pre-cooked or leftover rice also works perfectly in this casserole.

• How can I add more protein?

Include shredded chicken, ground turkey, or additional beans like kidney or pinto beans to boost protein content without changing core recipe structure.

Why Mexican Casserole Packs So Much Flavor

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Craft a delicious Mexican-inspired casserole with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for cooks of all levels.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with hearty ingredients like ground beef, rice, beans, and cheese, this dish satisfies diverse taste preferences and works wonderfully for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Customizable Flavor Experience: Easily adjust spice levels and toppings to match personal preferences, allowing everyone to create their perfect meal with jalapeños, cilantro, and optional sour cream additions.
• One-Pan Convenience: Eliminate multiple dish cleanup with this streamlined casserole that combines protein, grains, and vegetables in a single baking dish, making mealtime preparation and cleanup a breeze.

What You Need For Mexican Casserole

• Rice: A foundational layer that provides substance and texture to the casserole.

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that adds rich flavor and protein to the dish.
• Black Beans: Provides additional protein and creates a satisfying, filling element.

• Corn: Adds a sweet and crunchy texture to the casserole.
• Tomatoes: Brings freshness and a bright, tangy note to the dish.
• Green Onions: Offers a mild, crisp onion flavor with a pop of color.
• Jalapeños: Introduces a spicy kick and vibrant heat to the casserole.
• Cilantro: Provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the Mexican-inspired ingredients.

• Taco Seasoning: Infuses the ground beef with classic Mexican spice blend.
• Salsa: Adds moisture and a tangy, complex flavor profile.

• Cheddar Cheese: Creates a melty, golden topping that binds the ingredients together.
• Sour Cream: Provides a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy and savory elements.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning the ground beef and adding a subtle richness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the casserole.

How To Make Mexican Casserole Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook ground beef, breaking it into small crumbly pieces until completely browned with no pink visible.

Step 3: Season Beef

Drain excess fat from the beef. Stir in taco seasoning, ensuring every beef morsel gets coated with zesty flavor.

Step 4: Create Rice Foundation

Spread cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a solid base for the casserole.

Step 5: Layer Seasoned Beef

Distribute the seasoned ground beef uniformly over the rice layer, creating a hearty meat covering.

Step 6: Add Vegetable Layer

• Black beans
• Corn kernels

Ensure an even distribution for balanced flavor in each bite.

Step 7: First Cheese Layer

Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beans and corn, creating a preliminary melty surface.

Step 8: Add Salsa Burst

Dot salsa across the cheese layer, introducing tangy pockets of flavor throughout the casserole.

Step 9: Final Cheese Topping

Cover the entire surface with remaining shredded cheese for a complete, gooey blanket.

Step 10: Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped green onions
• Sliced jalapeños
• Fresh cilantro

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Look for completely melted cheese and golden, bubbly edges.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Top with a generous dollop of sour cream.

Step 13: Final Seasoning

Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste just before serving. Enjoy your flavor-packed Southwestern Taco Rice Casserole!

Tips To Nail The Mexican Casserole

• Prep Like a Pro: Grease the baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving of your casserole.
• Beef Browning Brilliance: Cook ground beef until no pink remains to guarantee food safety and develop rich, deep flavors.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Sprinkle cheese in layers for maximum coverage and that irresistible golden, gooey texture.
• Customize Your Heat: Adjust jalapeño quantities or remove seeds to control the spice level for different heat tolerances.
• Fresh Finish Flair: Add fresh herbs and toppings just before serving to maintain crisp textures and vibrant colors.

Mexican Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy Mexican casserole layers bold flavors with hearty ingredients, creating a comforting meal that brings southwest charm to dinner tables. Perfect for family gatherings, you’ll savor each cheesy, zesty bite of this crowd-pleasing dish.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can corn

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 2 chopped green onions
• 1 diced tomato
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prepare for the casserole assembly.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbly pieces until no pink remains.
3. Drain excess fat from the beef and stir in the taco seasoning, mixing thoroughly to coat the meat with robust flavor profiles.
4. Layer the cooked rice as the first foundation in the prepared baking dish, creating an even base for the subsequent ingredients.
5. Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the rice layer, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
6. Distribute black beans and corn across the meat layer, creating a vibrant and textured landscape of ingredients.
7. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the bean and corn layer, allowing for a melty, golden blanket.
8. Dollop salsa strategically across the cheese layer, providing bursts of tangy complexity.
9. Add the remaining cheese on top, creating a complete dairy coverage.
10. Garnish with diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, jalapeños, and cilantro for fresh, zesty accents.
11. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and edges appear golden and bubbly.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with a generous swirl of sour cream on top.
13. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting jalapeño quantities or selecting mild to spicy salsa varieties to match personal preference.
• Transform this dish into a gluten-free option by using certified gluten-free taco seasoning and ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Enhance protein content by substituting ground beef with lean turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
• Create make-ahead convenience by preparing the casserole up to the baking stage, then refrigerating for up to 24 hours before cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg