Are you tired of the same old ground beef dinners? Craving something exciting and flavorful that won’t keep you in the kitchen all night? Look no further! This Mexican Ground Beef Casserole recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Bursting with authentic Mexican spices, hearty ground beef, and vibrant vegetables, this one-pot dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect way to bring the taste of Mexico to your table with minimal effort.
This recipe is inspired by the incredibly popular filling from Mexican Stuffed Peppers, but simplified into an easy-to-make casserole. We understand that sometimes you want all the delicious flavor without the extra fuss. That’s why this Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with rice is designed for busy cooks who don’t want to compromise on taste. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal ready to enjoy.
What Makes This Mexican Ground Beef Casserole a Must-Try?
This isn’t just another bland beef casserole. It’s packed with authentic Mexican flavors thanks to a generous blend of spices that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine juicy ground beef simmered with aromatic spices, combined with fluffy rice, sweet corn, black beans, and bell peppers, all topped with melted cheese. The result is a comforting and flavorful casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you need a delicious and easy meal.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. While we recommend bell peppers, corn, and black beans, you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables. Aim for around 5 to 6 cups of diced veggies in total to keep the balance of flavors and textures just right. This makes it a great way to use up whatever vegetables you have on hand, reducing food waste and adding your personal touch to the dish.
Ingredients for Your Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor-packed casserole. Don’t be intimidated by the spice list – it’s what gives this dish its authentic Mexican character!
For the Casserole:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef (mince)
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 1/4 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 2.5 cups low sodium chicken broth/stock
- 14oz can corn kernels, drained
- 14oz can black beans, drained
- 1 bell pepper (capsicum), diced
- 1 cup green onions/shallots, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite melting cheese)
For the Mexican Spice Mix:
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1.5 tbsp dried oregano
- 3 tsp cumin
- 3 tsp coriander
- 3 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1.5 tsp salt
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mexican Rice Casserole
This recipe is designed for simplicity and speed. Follow these easy steps to have a delicious Mexican dinner on the table in just 30 minutes:
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. This should take around 2-3 minutes.
- Spice it Up: Stir in the Mexican spices and cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the spices to become fragrant and coat the beef.
- Add Veggies: Add diced bell pepper and cook for 1 minute.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato paste and chicken broth, mixing well to combine.
- Add Rice and Beans: Add uncooked rice, corn, and black beans to the pot. Stir everything together to ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Cheese and Green Onions: Remove the lid and quickly stir in green onions and half of the shredded cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Smooth the top of the casserole, sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top, cover the pot again, and let it sit for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with extra green onions or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
This Mexican Rice Casserole offers a delightful texture, similar to a creamy risotto but with the vibrant flavors of enchiladas. The corn and beans add wonderful pops of flavor and texture, making each bite interesting and satisfying.
More Ground Beef Mexican Recipe Ideas
If you love easy ground beef recipes, especially with a Mexican twist, you’re in the right place! Ground beef is incredibly versatile, budget-friendly, and quick to cook, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Besides this fantastic casserole, here are a few other Mexican-inspired ground beef recipes you might enjoy:
- Tacos: Classic and always a hit! Seasoned ground beef tacos are a staple for a reason.
- Burritos: Load up tortillas with seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and your favorite toppings for a hearty meal.
- Quesadillas: Simple and satisfying, ground beef quesadillas are a quick and easy option.
- Nachos: Perfect for sharing! Layer tortilla chips with ground beef, cheese, and all the nacho fixings.
- Mexican Stuffed Peppers: For a slightly more elaborate dish, try the original inspiration for this casserole – Mexican Stuffed Peppers!
These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little creativity and the right spices, ground beef can be transformed into countless delicious Mexican-inspired meals.
Quick, Easy, and Flavorful Mexican Ground Beef Recipes
This Mexican Ground Beef Casserole is just one example of how versatile and delicious ground beef can be in Mexican cuisine. It’s a testament to creating flavorful, satisfying meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy families, weeknight dinners, or anyone craving a taste of Mexico, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. So, ditch the boring dinners and spice up your week with this incredible Mexican Ground Beef Casserole!
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Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice (Beef Mince!) – Recipe
Author: Nagi
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Course: Mains
Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Western
Servings: 5
(For full ingredient list and instructions, see above)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 715kcal
- Carbohydrates: 73g
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 28g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.)
Keywords: Mexican Recipes With Ground Beef, ground beef casserole, easy mexican recipes, ground beef rice casserole, quick dinner recipes
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Life of Dozer (Bonus!)
Even Dozer the dog couldn’t resist the aroma of this delicious Mexican Ground Beef Casserole!
