Air Fryer Mexican Rice Casserole is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines seasoned rice, tender chicken (or beef), and a blend of melted cheese. Cooked in the air fryer, this casserole comes together quickly, offering a savory, cheesy, and comforting meal with a hint of spice. It’s the perfect one-pan dish for busy nights, with a delicious balance of textures and flavors that everyone will love!
Looking for a quick and delicious dinner that’s full of flavor? This Air Fryer Mexican Rice Casserole is the perfect solution!
Combining seasoned rice, your choice of chicken or beef, and plenty of melted cheese, this easy casserole is cooked in the air fryer for a perfectly crispy and cheesy finish.
It’s a one-pan meal that comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something satisfying without the fuss!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy – This Air Fryer Mexican Rice Casserole comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal with minimal prep.
- One-Pan Meal – Everything cooks together in one dish, which means less clean-up and more time enjoying your meal!
- Flavorful and Cheesy – With perfectly seasoned rice, tender meat, and a generous layer of melted cheese, every bite is packed with delicious, comforting flavor.
- Customizable – Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or a vegetarian version, you can easily adjust this casserole to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
- Crispy Finish – The air fryer gives this casserole a perfectly crisp top and edges, adding a delightful texture to the soft and cheesy filling.
Ingredients Needed
- Ground beef, ground turkey or ground chicken – For added protein.
- Green Bell Pepper – For added crunch.
- Onions – For flavor, use red onions or yellow onions.
- Garlic – For added aroma.
- Taco seasoning – For a bold flavor.
- Black beans – Rinsed and drained.
- Corn– Use canned corn, or leftover corn.
- Beef broth – For moisture and depth.
- Salsa – For tangy flavor.
- Tomato sauce – For richness.
- Long-grain white rice – For texture.
- Colby Jack cheese – For cheesy flavor.
- Cilantro – For garnish and flavor.
How To Make Air Fryer Mexican Rice Casserole
Step One: In a large skillet with deep sides, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef, bell pepper, and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain any excess liquid, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in the taco seasoning.
Step Two: Add the black beans, corn, beef broth, salsa, and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the rice and stir it in until fully combined.
Step Three: Spray a casserole or baking dish with cooking spray and pour the rice mixture into it. Preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees F and set cook time for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked. Once done, sprinkle the cheese on top and return it to the air fryer to melt the cheese.
Step Four: Serve with your favorite taco seasonings for added flavor!
Air Fryer Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe Tips
- Use the Right Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this casserole, as it cooks evenly and doesn’t become too mushy. Avoid using quick-cooking rice for better texture.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the taco seasoning to your taste. If you like extra spice, add some chili powder or jalapeños to the mix.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Make sure to spread the rice mixture evenly in the casserole dish to ensure proper cooking. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Add Extra Veggies: For a heartier dish, add extra veggies like diced tomatoes, zucchini, or green chilies for more flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a smoother, creamier topping than pre-shredded cheese.
- Cover for Even Cooking: If your casserole is browning too quickly, cover it with foil for the first half of cooking to ensure the rice cooks through without burning the top.
- Let it Rest: After air frying, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors set and makes it easier to serve.
Storing & Reheating
- Storing: Allow the Air Fryer Mexican Rice Casserole to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in the air fryer at 320°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted. You can also microwave individual servings for about 1-2 minutes, or until hot.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Air Fryer Mexican Rice Casserole is a flavorful and filling dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it with a fresh green salad topped with a zesty vinaigrette for a light and refreshing balance. Tortilla chips or crispy fried plantains can add some crunch, while a side of guacamole or sour cream will enhance the creamy flavors. For a complete meal, add some grilled veggies like peppers and zucchini or a side of Mexican street corn for extra flavor and texture!
Air Fryer Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe Faqs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? While white rice works best for this recipe, you can use brown rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so consider pre-cooking it before adding it to the casserole mixture.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it. Just cover it with plastic wrap or foil and air fry when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Can I add other proteins to the casserole? Absolutely! Feel free to add cooked chicken, ground beef, or even ground turkey to the casserole. It’s versatile, and you can customize it based on your preferences.
Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, for a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also add extra beans or tofu for added protein.
How can I make the casserole spicier? To spice up the casserole, you can add diced jalapeños, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also use a spicy taco seasoning mix if you like a bit more heat.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, feel free to swap the Colby Jack cheese for other types like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well.
Can I freeze Air Fryer Mexican Rice Casserole? Yes, this casserole can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and air fry until heated through.
More Air Fryer Casserole Recipes
- Pepperoni Pierogy Pizza Casserole
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- Cheddar’s Broccoli Cheese Casserole
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- Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
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Air Fryer Mexican Rice Casserole
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef, ground turkey or ground chicken
- 1 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 15 ounces black beans, rinsed and drained
- 15 ounces canned corn, drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 16 ounces salsa
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese divided, divided, shredded
- 2 teaspoons cilantro, Fresh chopped cilantro for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet with deep sides, heat over medium and add the ground beef, bell pepper, and onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain any excess liquid, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the taco seasoning.
- Add the black beans, corn, beef broth, salsa, and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil. Next, add the rice and stir until fully combined.
- Spray a casserole or baking dish with cooking spray and pour the rice mixture into it. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked. Sprinkle the cheese on top and return the casserole to the air fryer until the cheese is melted.
- Serve with your favorite taco seasonings for added flavor!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Baking Pan
Nutrition
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