Cheesy Mexican Casserole is A Tex-Mex meal with bold flavors and hearty ingredients that you can make in 30 minutes! Ground beef, beans, rice, all flavored with enchilada sauce and topped with cheese makes a yummy meal for yourself or for a crowd!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole is:
- Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- Loaded with protein and bold Tex-Mex flavors.
- Versatile enough to adapt to your family’s preferences.
- Perfect as a main dish or served with tortillas or chips.
Ingredients
I've been craving a Tex-Mex meal with bold flavors and hearty ingredients, so I created this Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole recipe. Since I wanted something quick, easy, and satisfying, I turned to ground beef, a staple in my kitchen. I combine enchilada sauce-flavored rice, protein-packed beans and beef, and gooey melted cheese, which turned out to be exactly what I needed. Furthermore, this recipe is perfect for busy nights or when you’re feeding a crowd, as it’s packed with flavor in every single bite.
Ingredients you need for Cheesy Mexican Enchilada Casserole
- Rice (uncooked, such as Jasmine)
- Ground beef (or cooked chicken as a substitute)
- Taco seasoning
- Enchilada sauce (red, green, or a mix)
- Refried beans
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby jack, or a Mexican blend)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro
- Optional garnishes: avocado slices, pico de gallo, sour cream
See recipe card for quantities.
Directions for the Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole
- Preheat the Oven: First, set your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready when you need it.
- Cook the Rice: Meanwhile, prepare the rice according to the package directions, giving it time to cook while you work on the next steps.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Next, in a sauté pan, brown the ground beef, drain any excess fat, and season it with taco seasoning as directed.
- Prepare the Rice Base: Once the rice is ready, transfer it to a large bowl and mix it with 1 cup of enchilada sauce. Then, spread this mixture evenly into an 8x8 glass baking dish, pressing it down to create a base.
- Mix the Filling: After that, use the same large bowl to combine the seasoned ground beef, 1 cup of enchilada sauce, refried beans, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Now, pour the meat mixture evenly over the rice layer in the dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top for a deliciously cheesy finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the dish is hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh touch. Serve with optional garnishes like avocado slices, pico de gallo, and sour cream to complete the meal.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the rice according to the package directions. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice with 1 cup of enchilada sauce. Spread this mixture evenly into an 8x8 glass baking dish, pressing it down.
- Step 2: In a saute pan, brown the ground beef, drain excess fat, and season with taco seasoning as directed. In the same large bowl for the rice, combine the seasoned ground beef, 1 cup of enchilada sauce, refried beans, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Step 3: Pour the meat mixture evenly over the rice layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Step 4: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the dish is hot and bubbly.
Substitutions
This Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole is flexible and easy to customize:
- For a lighter option, you can easily use chopped cooked chicken instead of ground beef.
- Additionally, if you prefer, substitute brown rice for white rice.
- Furthermore, to make this dish suitable for specific dietary needs, omit the shredded cheese for a dairy-free version, and leave out the meat entirely for a vegan-friendly alternative.
Variation
- Kid-Friendly: To make this mexican casserole with ground beef dish more appealing to picky eaters, omit the cilantro and use mild taco seasoning for a gentler flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or drizzle spicy salsa over the casserole before serving.
- Vegan: To adapt this Tex-Mex casserole for a vegan diet, simply omit the ground beef and cheese, replacing them with plant-based alternatives if desired.
- Dairy Free: If you need a dairy-free option, just omit the shredded cheese, and the dish will still be delicious and satisfying.
Ways to Enjoy This Recipe
This Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole is versatile!
- With Chips: Serve alongside tortilla chips for a fun, dippable option or on top of tortilla chips with shredded cheese for a nacho style meal.
- As Is: Serve straight from the dish for a hearty, one-pan meal.
- With Tortillas: Wrap the Mexican casserole in warm tortillas for delicious burritos.
Storage
Store this casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for convenience, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Additionally, I have successfully frozen this casserole in individual portions using Souper Cubes freezer containers. For example, I prepared these portions for my son in college, and they held up beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or gifting.
Leftover Nachos
Turn leftovers into delicious nachos for an exciting twist! First, spread tortilla chips evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Next, spoon the casserole onto the chips, making sure to distribute it evenly. Then, sprinkle with shredded cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Finally, bake at 350°F until the cheese melts and is bubbly. It’s a fun and flavorful way to reinvent this dish while minimizing food waste!
Tips
Use these tips when making Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole
Scaling this Recipe: You can double or triple this recipe to feed a crowd. Use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Taco Seasoning: My favorite brand my very own Lori's Tasty Taco Seasoning! I love that my taco seasoning has just the right flavor. It's not too spicy or salty and has the best flavor without anti-caking agents, MSG, or any other flavor enhancers.
Enchilada Sauce: My favorite brand is Siete, which uses clean ingredients and avoids seed oils. Their sauces are flavorful but not spicy.
Refried Beans: Look for refried beans made with coconut or avocado oil. Siete’s vegan refried black beans are a great choice.
This Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole is not only a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish but also an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Moreover, with its bold flavors, simple preparation, and incredible versatility, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite in no time. So, gather your ingredients, whip up this delicious casserole, and enjoy every flavorful bite!
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Cheesy Mexican Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 ½ C rice - uncooked my favorite is Jasmine
- 2 lbs ground beef - browned can sub cooked chicken
- 4 T taco seasoning
- 15 oz enchilada sauce divided - red, green, or a combo
- 16 oz refried beans
- 2 C shredded cheese divided - cheddar, Colby jack, or a Mexican blend
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ C fresh cilantro - chopped
- Optional garnishes - avocado slices pico de gallo, sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- Brown the ground beef in a sauce pan, drain excess fat, then season with taco seasoning according to seasoning directions.
- In a large bowl add the cooked rice and 1 C of the enchilada sauce and stir together. In an 8X8 glass baking dish pour the rice into the dish and press it down into the dish.
- În the same large bowl add the seasoned ground beef, 1 C of the enchilada sauce, refried beans, and 1 C shredded cheese. Stir the ingredients together.
- Pour the meat mixture on top of the rice evenly. Top with the remaining 1 C of the cheese.
- Bake the casserole for 20-30 minutes until the cheese melts and the casserole is hot and bubbly. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top.
- Top each serving with optional garnishes.
