Looking for a delicious and hassle-free weeknight meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this mouthwatering Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef recipe. Bursting with vibrant flavors and easy to prepare, it’s the perfect solution for those nights when time is of the essence.

Mexican casserole with rice and corn topped with cheese.

This tasty Mexican ground beef casserole is like a homemade version of Hamburger Helper’s Crunchy Taco – minus the corn chip topping. If you do happen to be a Hamburger Helper fan, just add a few crushed corn chips (like Frito’s) to the top to make this a less processed and perhaps healthier version.

With its hearty blend of lean ground beef, rice, corn, and flavorful ingredients, this Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef is a delightful addition to your recipe arsenal.

Whether you’re diving into it as a main course, using it as a dip, or wrapping it up in tortillas for burritos, the possibilities are endless. On those busy weeknights when time is short and appetites are big, let this casserole be your go-to solution for an easy, satisfying, and delicious meal.

Ingredients

For this Mexican main dish that is perfect for Taco Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, or any time you have a craving for a South-of-the-Border dish, you need the following ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 white onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 cup beef broth
½ cup water
1 cup salsa
8 ounces tomato sauce
15 ounces sweet corn, canned
1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 cup Mexican blend cheese

Ground beef, beef broth, red onion, corn, rice, cheese, salsa, and seasonings on a wooden cutting board. — Ingredients for making Mexican rice with beef

How To Make Mexican Rice Skillet

For this one-pan dinner, you start by cooking the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink. Drain the fat and place the cooked beef on a plate lined with paper towels to get any excess fat.

Reduce the heat to medium and add onions to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.

Next, return the beef back to the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning and garlic powder. Add the tomato sauce, salsa, beef stock, water, corn, and rice, and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer the meat mixture for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the rice is done, remove the skillet from the heat and season with salt and pepper.

Rice, corn, and ground beef in skillet. — Add rice

Top with cheese and serve with tortilla chips or tortillas.

Close up view of Mexican Casserole with Rice topped with cheese.

Recipe Notes

Adding Bell Pepper: Enhance the flavor profile even further by incorporating chopped green bell pepper along with the onion. This addition not only introduces a pop of color but also imparts a subtle, tangy kick that complements the Mexican-inspired ingredients beautifully. The bell pepper’s crisp texture and mild flavor meld seamlessly with the savory ground beef and aromatic onion, elevating the overall taste of the casserole. Whether you opt for a classic green bell pepper or choose a sweeter red or yellow variety, this versatile addition adds a delightful twist that’s sure to please the palate.
Custom Spice Level: Tailor the heat level of your casserole to your personal preference by adjusting the number of green chiles. If you’re a fan of bold and fiery flavors, opt for hot green chiles. For a milder experience, stick with mild or even omit them altogether. This customization allows you to create a dish that suits your taste buds perfectly, ensuring that every bite is a flavor adventure.
Make It a Fiesta: Turn this casserole into a festive feast by setting up a customizable topping bar. Offer a variety of toppings such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and even diced avocado. This way, each person can tailor their serving to their individual preferences, adding an interactive and fun element to the meal.
Pairing Suggestions: Complete your Mexican-inspired meal by serving the casserole with classic accompaniments like tortilla chips, guacamole, and salsa. A side of freshly made pico de gallo or a crisp green salad can add a refreshing contrast to the warm and comforting flavors of the casserole.

Substitutions and Variations

Vegetarian Twist: Skip the meat altogether and opt for black beans or a meat substitute for a delicious vegetarian version.
Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a unique twist.

Storing Leftover Casserole

It’s important to store leftovers properly to maintain their freshness and taste. Follow these storage guidelines:

Cool Down: Allow the casserole to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating. This helps prevent moisture buildup and ensures the dish cools evenly.
Airtight Container: Transfer the leftover casserole into an airtight container. Make sure the container is appropriate for both the volume and shape of the casserole.
Label and Date: Clearly label the container with the date it was prepared. This helps you keep track of freshness and decide when it’s time to enjoy the leftovers.
Refrigeration: Place the airtight container in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking to prevent bacteria growth.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftover casserole, reheat it thoroughly. Use the microwave or an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to consume.
Enjoy Within: Consume the leftover casserole within 3-4 days for optimal quality and taste. If you can’t finish it within this timeframe, consider freezing it for longer storage.

Freezing Option: For longer storage, freezing is a viable option:

Portion and Wrap: Divide the casserole into individual servings or family-sized portions, depending on your needs. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Airtight Bag or Container: Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe, airtight bag or container. Label with the date and description.
Freeze: Store the casserole in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw and Reheat: When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as mentioned above, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature.

FAQ – Your Questions, Answered

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute lean ground turkey or ground chicken for ground beef if you’re looking for a lighter alternative.

If you like Mexican dishes with corn, be sure to check out our recipes for Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad, Homemade Guacamole, and Chicken and Black Bean Burrito Skillet.

How to Make Burritos

To make burritos, scoop the filling onto flour tortillas. Roll them up and serve with some shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and a little guacamole on the side.