Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

This was good. Used a combination of spices because I didn't have taco seasoning: garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Also used two cans of beans because we really like them and let people put their own cheese on top to taste. Took a long time to cook, not sure exactly but it was over an hour. Would also be good with cooked diced chicken I think. Did lack some heat, I added hot sauce to my plate. Maybe some hot peppers added with the onion next time.

After reading the comments from those that made this before me, I decided to make some changes in how I make this. The most important one was that I made up the rice beforehand, instead of expecting it to come out fully cooked after baking the dish. And, since I did that, I didn't need to add the chicken broth to the recipe. Therefore, my skillet wasn't overflowing like some had a problem with. I also did not drain the fat from browning the meat, because I used a lower fat content ground beef to begin with. This did not taste greasy at all because of that. I also had frozen cut spinach in my freezer, and used about 1/2 of the bag after defrosting. Will use the leftover spinach for a spinach dip! because I was using what I had at home instead of a trip to the store, I also used kidney beans instead of the black beans. Because I made the rice ahead of time, after mixing and pouring it all into my 9x13 pan, I only needed to bake it for about 20-30 minutes. I also put the cheese on top before I stuck it in the oven, so there was another step I didn't need to do. I served it with sour cream and some taco sauce and my family enjoyed it.

I made this as written, without looking at other reviews, if I had I would have used a bigger pan. So, my rice didn't get mixed in as well as it should but that was okay. Flavor-wise, it comes from the salsa and taco seasoning you use. I used a medium salsa and regular taco seasoning but we felt it could have used a full package of taco seasoning. As others have mentioned this does take longer to bake, mine took closer to 1.25-1.5 hours. Overall, it was okay it is something I could make again on a practice night for my family with a some tweaks.

This looks good but I think I’ll use frozen rice. I always make a lot at one time (rice I mean) and freeze it in storage bags, flattened out, so I can use it for fried rice or other meals. That will cut down on baking time.

According to the recipe directions, the draining of the beef is in the wrong order. I would advise draining the beef before adding minced garlic and taco seasoning. If you add the garlic and the taco seasoning and then drain your beef, you will lose all the seasoning's flavor with the drained grease. I think next time I would add pinto beans instead of black beans just for a little difference in taste and maybe some sweet or creamed corn. I also love the idea of one reviewer using frozen rice, I will start freezing my leftover rice and try that. Super idea!!

It's good, but I made lots of changes. I used the green chiles you get at Costco (in a jar) instead of salsa, no taco seasoning (used oregano and cumin instead), put cheese on top afterwards (not in the dish), and used frozen spinach.

This was very good I cut in half for four servings . Perfect for two. I will add some diced chilies or jalapeño next time. I used a cast iron pan from start to finish. Filling and satisfying try it.

This was easy and very delicious. I also cubed 1/2 lb. boneless pork and added it for more texture and flavor.

I just have a question. Why do you use kidney or black beans in your Mexican recipes. Try using pinto beans and Colby Longhorn cheese. Cheddar cheese is greasy!

This tasted better than I imagined! Easy and budget friendly. I didn’t have spinach so I added some fresh corn. So good!

I boiled the rice in chicken broth, and added tortillas to the dish. Excellent

Even my picky friends couldn’t resist.

Made it twice already — total win.

Even my picky roommate loved it.

I boiled the rice in chicken broth, and added tortillas to the dish. Excellent

The recipe was easy to follow and easy to substitute. My family loves it. I have to make two different versions of it due to a family member's tomato allergy. I substitute diced butternut squash for diced tomatoes and use butternut squash pasta sauce instead of salsa. Both versions are good and enjoyed by those who can.

I am making this tonight I tweaked this and will leave real review after I seen on a review someone didnt add the Chicken broth cuz they precooked the rice. HELP I dont need to add broth if rice is already cooked?

Tasty and easy!

This recipe is foolproof and delicious.

I’m not a cook. Fairly easy recipe to follow. I precooked the rice, did not add broth, and left out the cheese so each person could add their own. We all liked it.