Mexican Fiesta Casserole Recipe
There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table to dig into a bubbling Mexican Fiesta Casserole—the kind of dish that instantly gets everyone excited. This colorful, cheesy bake is a symphony of flavors and textures, brimming with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and gooey cheese, all layered over tender rice. Whether you’re chasing a satisfying weeknight dinner or need an easy crowd-pleaser for your next potluck, you’ll love how this all-in-one meal brings a little fiesta to your kitchen (and your taste buds) every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mexican Fiesta Casserole keeps things delightfully simple, relying on pantry staples and fresh ingredients that come together in the tastiest way. Each component offers something special—rich flavors, hearty texture, and a rainbow of colors that just look so inviting in the dish.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to sauté the meat and vegetables to perfection.
- Ground beef or ground turkey: The savory, juicy base of the casserole—choose your favorite for a personalized touch.
- Onion (chopped): Brings mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the whole casserole.
- Garlic (minced): Adds a punchy, irresistible aroma that kicks up the savory notes.
- Black beans (drained and rinsed): Provide protein, creaminess, and a lovely pop of color.
- Corn (drained): Offers natural sweetness and a pretty golden hue in every bite.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained): Adds juiciness and just the right level of gentle heat.
- Salsa: Infuses bold Mexican flair and the perfect amount of zesty moisture.
- Taco seasoning: The secret to that classic south-of-the-border taste—don’t skip it!
- Cooked rice: Makes the casserole extra hearty and helps bind all the flavors together.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts to form that ooey-gooey golden topping we all crave.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Adds freshness and a pop of green right before serving.
- Sliced jalapeños and sour cream for topping (optional): Bring a little heat and a creamy finish you won’t want to miss.
How to Make Mexican Fiesta Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when your casserole goes in. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the casserole light and flavorful.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and garlic straight into the skillet with the meat. Let these sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant. This step gives your Mexican Fiesta Casserole its savory foundation and makes your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 3: Mix in the Veggies and Seasonings
Pour in the black beans, corn, and the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Follow with the salsa and sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Give everything a good stir, letting the flavors meld together for about 5 minutes over medium-low heat. It’ll look colorful and super inviting at this point!
Step 4: Add Rice and Cheese
Stir in the cooked rice and 1 cup of your shredded Mexican blend cheese. The rice soaks up all that saucy goodness, while the cheese starts getting deliciously melty and pulls everything together.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then transfer your casserole mixture into it, spreading out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese right on top—this will transform into a gooey, bubbly crust. Bake uncovered in the hot oven for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and everything is heated through.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Let your Mexican Fiesta Casserole rest for 5 minutes so it sets up just enough to serve neat slices. Add a shower of chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of jalapeño slices, and a dollop of sour cream if you’d like. Now’s the moment to dig in!
How to Serve Mexican Fiesta Casserole
Garnishes
A handful of fresh chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a generous scoop of sour cream on top turn this casserole into a true showstopper. Try adding a few slices of ripe avocado or a squeeze of lime for even more fresh flavor—the garnishes are what take it from delicious to irresistible.
Side Dishes
A hearty dish like Mexican Fiesta Casserole loves simple sides. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, or a bowl of tortilla chips and guacamole. If you’re feeling extra festive, try some grilled veggies or a quick batch of elote-style corn for a real Mexican-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
You can cut the casserole into squares for easy plating or scoop generous portions into bowls and let everyone customize their toppings right at the table. For parties, bake it in mini ramekins for adorable single-servings—each one becomes a mini fiesta! This dish is also perfect tucked into tortillas for next-day burritos or quesadillas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mexican Fiesta Casserole keeps beautifully. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Stored this way, it makes a perfect make-ahead lunch or an easy dinner that reheats in a snap.
Freezing
This casserole really is freezer friendly! To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (about 20–25 minutes). If you’re in a rush, single servings can be microwaved, but be sure to add a splash of water or broth to keep things moist and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a lovely nutty flavor and extra fiber. Just be sure it’s fully cooked before you add it to the casserole, as it takes longer to cook than white rice.
Is this recipe spicy?
Mexican Fiesta Casserole has a gentle kick thanks to the tomatoes with green chilies and the salsa. For a spicier version, use hot salsa or toss in extra jalapeños. If you want to tame the heat, opt for mild salsa and skip the jalapeño garnish.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You sure can! Simply leave out the ground meat and double the beans for a protein-rich, meatless twist. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more flavor and nutrition.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it?
Yes, the rice should be cooked ahead of time so it can easily absorb all the saucy flavors and won’t turn out crunchy. Leftover rice works perfectly in this recipe!
What else can I add to the casserole?
Feel free to get creative: chopped bell peppers, diced zucchini, or even a handful of spinach can all go into the mix. This recipe is incredibly flexible, so use what you have on hand and make it your own.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience firsthand just how comforting and crowd-pleasing this Mexican Fiesta Casserole truly is. Whether you’re feeding your family or sharing with friends, this irresistible bake brings big flavors and warm memories to every gathering—give it a try tonight and let the fiesta begin!
Print
Mexican Fiesta Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and satisfying Mexican Fiesta Casserole that combines seasoned ground beef with rice, beans, corn, and cheese for a hearty and comforting meal. Topped with a gooey layer of melted cheese, this dish is a fiesta of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños and sour cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook meat: In a skillet, brown ground beef, onion, and garlic.
- Add ingredients: Mix in beans, corn, tomatoes, salsa, and taco seasoning. Simmer.
- Combine with rice: Stir in cooked rice and cheese.
- Bake: Transfer to baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool, then garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, and sour cream.
Notes
- Substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
- Enhance with bell peppers or zucchini for added vegetables.
- Perfect for meal prep and freezes well for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
