Mexican Rice Casserole Is Loaded with Flavor
When you’re craving something comforting, hearty, and packed with bold flavor, this Mexican Rice Casserole is your answer. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a satisfying family dinner, this dish checks all the boxes: it’s easy to prepare, customizable, affordable, and most importantly—absolutely delicious.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to spice up your meal prep routine, this recipe delivers big on taste without keeping you in the kitchen for hours. If you love cheesy casseroles with a Tex-Mex twist, this is about to become your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Rice Casserole
This casserole is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. With the smoky kick of taco seasoning, the sweetness of corn, the heartiness of black beans, and gooey melted cheese holding it all together, every bite is layered with texture and flavor. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and easy to make gluten-free.
Ideal for:
- Weeknight dinners – It’s quick to put together and oven-ready in minutes.
- Meal preppers – Make a big batch, and you’ve got lunch for days.
- Picky eaters – With cheese and rice as the base, it’s hard for even the fussiest to say no.
- Budget cooks – It uses pantry staples and stretches ingredients to feed a crowd affordably.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this cheesy, zesty casserole come to life:
For the Rice Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup chopped onions (optional, but adds a nice flavor base)
- 1 tsp taco seasoning (or a mix of chili powder + cumin)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream or avocado slices
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 1 large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 9×13 inch baking dish
- Cheese grater (if grating your own cheese)
- Oven mitts
- Foil
- Spatula or large spoon for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Rice Mixture
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced tomatoes with green chilies, shredded cheese, corn, black beans, onions, taco seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well blended.
2️⃣ Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a baking dish (9×13 inch works well). Spread the rice mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle an extra generous handful of cheese on top—this creates that irresistible golden, gooey crust.
3️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, until the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes scooping easier.
4️⃣ Garnish and Serve
Top with freshly chopped cilantro. If desired, add a dollop of sour cream or a few avocado slices for creaminess and freshness. Now dig in and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Mexican Rice Casserole
- Use day-old rice: Leftover rice has less moisture, which gives the casserole a better texture.
- Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent melting. Freshly shredded cheese gives a smoother, creamier finish.
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix for an extra kick.
- Add protein: Want to bulk it up? Toss in cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or chorizo for a meaty twist.
- Make it creamy: Stir in ¼ cup of sour cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese into the mix before baking.
Variations and Swaps
This casserole is endlessly versatile! Here are a few delicious twists:
- Tex-Mex Breakfast Bake: Crack a few eggs on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a brunch-worthy dish.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based cheese and skip the sour cream. You can also stir in sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the rice with cauliflower rice to lower the carbs while keeping all the flavor.
- Taco Tuesday Vibe: Serve in taco shells or tortillas with extra toppings for a fun, hand-held version.
What to Serve with Mexican Rice Casserole
Pair this hearty dish with:
- A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette
- Tortilla chips and homemade guacamole
- A cold cerveza or margarita to complete the fiesta
- Mexican street corn (elote) for a full Tex-Mex spread
- Fresh fruit salad to balance the spice with sweetness
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
This casserole stores like a dream, making it a favorite for meal prepping.
Storage:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze individual portions or the whole dish for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers and label with the date.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15–20 minutes.
- From frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use uncooked rice?
No, the rice must be pre-cooked before mixing. This recipe is designed around already-cooked rice.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you check your taco seasoning and canned ingredients for gluten, this casserole is naturally gluten-free.
Can I add meat?
Absolutely! Cooked ground beef, chicken, or even shredded pork work beautifully.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger baking dish or two pans. It’s a great make-ahead for parties.
Can I make it in advance?
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
What type of rice is best?
Long grain white rice or brown rice works well. Just make sure it’s cooked and slightly cooled before mixing.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Rice Casserole is a celebration of bold flavors and easy cooking. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s a must-try recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for a new weeknight staple, this dish delivers every single time.
