When dinner needs to be hearty, flavorful, and completely satisfying, this Mexican Casserole checks all the boxes. It’s got layers of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, rich tomatoes, and a glorious blanket of melted cheddar cheese—finished with a cool dollop of sour cream. The result? A comfort-food classic that’s easy to make and even easier to love.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a reliable, fuss-free favorite that brings Mexican-inspired flavor to your table with just a few pantry staples.
🌟 Why I Love This Mexican Casserole
- Quick to assemble: Ready for the oven in 10 minutes flat.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Beef, rice, cheese—you probably have most of it already.
- Versatile: Customize with beans, veggies, or extra spice.
- Casserole magic: Cheesy, saucy, comforting—all in one dish.
🛒 Ingredients
- 🍖 1 lb ground beef
- 🌶 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade mix)
- 🍅 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 🍚 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 🧀 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 🧴 1 cup sour cream (for topping)
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
🔁 Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ins
- Protein swap: Ground turkey or chicken works great too.
- Add veggies: Stir in black beans, corn, or chopped bell peppers.
- Cheese variety: Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Spice it up: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
👨🍳 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add taco seasoning and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- In a baking dish, layer the cooked rice on the bottom.
- Spoon the beef mixture over the rice, spreading it evenly.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, covering the surface completely.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve hot, topped with a generous spoonful of sour cream.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use day-old rice for better texture and less sogginess.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking so it sets up for easier slicing.
- Want extra crunch? Sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top before baking!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Balance out the richness of this casserole with some bright, fresh, or crunchy sides:
- A side salad with lime vinaigrette or avocado.
- Fresh guacamole and tortilla chips.
- A chilled drink like this Blueberry Lemonade for a fruity finish.
- Kick it up with a gooey appetizer like This Crockpot Nacho Dip or This Dorito Casserole for double the cheesy fun.
If you’re throwing a party or feeding a big group, set up a DIY taco night alongside this with ideas from This Walking Taco Bar or pair with These Sheet Pan Quesadillas.
🧊 Storage & Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Reheat tip: Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep it moist.
🔗 More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip – Party-perfect, no-fail cheesy dip.
- This Dorito Casserole – A crispy-cheesy spin on casserole comfort.
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas – Fast, filling, and fully loaded.
- This Walking Taco Bar – A customizable favorite for kids and adults alike.
- This Blueberry Lemonade – A fresh sip to cool down spicy bites.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Mexican Casserole is everything you want in a weeknight meal—simple, hearty, full of flavor, and totally customizable. It’s comfort food with a kick, and best of all, it’s a guaranteed family favorite.
If you try it, let me know in the comments or tag us @ChefManiac! And if you love recipes like this, make sure to follow for more quick, cozy dinners and flavor-packed favorites.
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