Homemade Mexican Brown Rice Bake recipe

 

Homemade Mexican Brown Rice Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines wholesome brown rice with bold Mexican-inspired ingredients. This easy-to-make casserole is packed with seasoned ground beef or black beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, corn, and melted cheese, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal for the whole family. Baked to perfection, this dish offers a delicious balance of textures and flavors, enhanced by spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic. It’s perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or potlucks, and can be customized with toppings like avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Enjoy a warm, comforting, and wholesome Mexican-inspired meal in every bite!

This Mexican Brown Rice Bake is a delicious and wholesome casserole packed with bold flavors, protein, and veggies. It’s perfect for meal prep, a family dinner, or a potluck!

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked brown rice
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, or black beans for a vegetarian option)
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
1 cup tomato sauce
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix: 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp paprika, salt & pepper to taste)
1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
½ cup sour cream (optional)
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for extra spice)

Instructions:

Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Meat & Veggies – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add diced onions and bell pepper, and sauté until softened.
Add Seasonings & Ingredients – Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix with Rice – In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice with the meat and veggie mixture. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Bake – Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve & Garnish – Let the casserole cool slightly, then garnish with chopped cilantro, jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with warm tortillas or tortilla chips.
Add avocado slices or guacamole for extra creaminess.
A squeeze of fresh lime juice enhances the flavors!
This Mexican Brown Rice Bake is a healthy and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and full of vibrant flavors. Enjoy!