Mexican Rice Casserole is a blend of flavors your family will enjoy. Adjust for your family's tastes, this casserole is adaptable and delicious!
This Mexican Rice Casserole is beyond easy. It is only a few ingredients and most importantly, it involves taco flavoring.
As I have mentioned once or twice, we are big taco eaters around here. My enjoyment for all things taco usually spills into what dinners I make at least once a week. Okay, maybe twice. Tacos, taco soup and oh yes, the Taco Salad as well.
Then making this dish, I wanted to make something similar to the taco rice casserole, but add a few new twists. My husband has learned to like canned tomatoes in recipes so I wanted to strike while the iron was hot. {I've waited almost 18 years for that breakthrough.} ;-)
Mexican Rice Casserole Tips
Cooking the rice first, before it goes into the oven, cuts down on cook time drastically. With the rice already cooked, this recipe only takes a short time to heat up in the oven. Just cook the rice the same time as the hamburger is browning on the stove. You could use boil in the bag rice like I used in this Mexican Hamburger Rice.
The ingredients for Mexican Rice Casserole are easily adjustable for a smaller or larger quantities. Also, I used a can of tomatoes seasoned with chili's in this easy supper recipe. It adds the extra kick, however, if your family doesn't enjoy the spicy flavoring, just use regular tomatoes.
I would pair this casserole up with broccoli ranch salad or a apple cranberry salad. Dessert? Well, there is that... Caramel Shortbread Cookies or Golden Lemon Cookie N Cream Bars.
Mexican Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb hamburger
- 1 12 oz can tomatoes with or without chili's
- 1 ½ cups dry rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning or to taste
Instructions
- Fry hamburger until hamburger is no longer pink.
- Add taco seasoning to hamburger and stir.
- Cook for 5 minutes longer.
- While hamburger is cooking, boil water and rice according to rice package directions.
- When rice is through cooking, mix cooked hamburger, tomatoes, and rice in a lightly sprayed square casserole dish.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes at 375*. Remove foil and bake for 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
Nutrition
Need More Family Friendly Casserole Recipes?
Dana
This casserole is SO delicious!!! A new staple in our family's favorite dishes 😋 Thank you for sharing!
Kim
I'm glad you liked it!
Dee
Hi. At what point do you add the cups of water? Not in the instructions.
Kim
Hello! You use it to cook the rice. Then mix the rice with the other ingredients. I hope that helps!
Shelley
I want to make this but would want to make in a 9x13 pan. Would I double the ingredients?
Kim
Yes, I would! I would however do 2 1/2 cups of rice and 5 cups of water. I think 3 would be a bit much.
Arnell
My honey loved this receipe. It was a huge hit!
Lisa Robinson
I made this tonight and it was great! Thank you!
Kim
Glad you enjoyed it!!
Dianne
Made this during quarantine with things I had
Onion
Hamburger meat seasoned with chipotle corn seasoning and chili powder
Taco seasoning.
I used pasta shells - no rice
Chili kidney beans
Sliced black olives
Zesty chili tomatoes
It was delicious!!
Kim
I'm so glad you liked it! I have been using up items I have too and "tweaking" certain recipes to fit what I have. Thanks for the comment!
Lynn
Can this be put together and refrigerated the day before actually baking?
Kim
I have never made it the day before, but I would think it could. If you are making it for guests for the first time, I wouldn't try it, but if you are making it for your own family, give it try!
Sherry
What size can of tomatoes with green chili? I’m making mine with cauliflower rice. Will let you how turns out. Thank you
Kim
Sorry, I am just now able to answer this! I hope you were able to make it and it turned out well for you! In case you haven't made it yet, I used 10 oz can.
Rondi
What does taco seasoning to taste actually mean? Please put an amount. That's what recipes are for.
Kim
Well, it actually means taste to your liking. I would put the entire packet of taco seasoning in, per my taste. My husband would want about 1/2 packet and the children less. It all depends on your liking.
In recipes, you will often see the phrase "salt and pepper to taste". My mom would put in no salt and I would put in more. I do hope that helps and clears up any confusion.
Rebecca
Made this tonight. A huge hit. I added a can of drained & rinsed black beans. Easy & fast dinner. Will definitely make again.
Kim
I am so glad! It makes my day to hear I helped feed families! :-) May I also recommend the popular Hamburger Casserole.
Ashley
Do you need to drain the hamburger first?
Kim
Yes, you do!
Danielle Marie
Alway deain!