Mexican Rice Casserole
Mexican Rice Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef, rice, vegetables, and creamy soups, topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers a comforting taste of Mexican-inspired flavors with easy preparation and versatile ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- In a casserole dish, mix the cooked beef with chopped onion, uncooked Minute rice, zucchini squash, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, Ro-Tel, salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Bake the mixture at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes.
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, top with grated Colby or Cheddar cheese and continue baking until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute the hamburger meat with black beans or lentils. You can also use brown rice instead of Minute rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you prefer a spicier dish, add jalapeños or use hot Ro-Tel. Ensure to drain the zucchini squash well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mexican Rice Casserole with a side of fresh guacamole and tortilla chips for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole for a delightful Mexican feast. Consider adding a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the cheese from overcooking and dry out. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Rice Casserole contains roughly 804 calories, with 30g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (191% of the Daily Value), calcium (142% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (137% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1587mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through properly.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of celery or a homemade white sauce as a substitute. This will maintain the creaminess of the dish while offering a slightly different flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, to make this casserole gluten-free, ensure that the cream soups and any added ingredients like the Ro-Tel are labeled gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free rice to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).