Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s quick, flavorful, low-carb, and totally satisfying? Say hello to your new obsession: Mexican Cauliflower Rice Casserole. This cheesy, veggie-packed dish brings all the bold flavors of your favorite Mexican meals—without the heaviness of traditional rice-based casseroles.
Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, trying to sneak in more veggies, or just want to switch things up, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s got seasoned cauliflower rice, sautéed peppers and onions, black beans, juicy ground turkey (or beef!), and plenty of gooey cheese—all baked into one delicious, comforting casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are weeknight dinners… and then there are weeknight winners. This Mexican Cauliflower Rice Casserole is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to—here’s why:
- Big flavor, low effort: With just one pan and a casserole dish, you can create a vibrant, bold-flavored dinner packed with Mexican spices, melty cheese, and hearty ingredients.
- Healthy without tasting like it: This casserole swaps out traditional rice for cauliflower rice, slashing carbs and upping your veggie intake—without sacrificing any flavor or satisfaction.
- Family-approved: Picky eaters? No problem. This dish is cheesy, comforting, and packed with familiar taco-style flavors the whole family will devour.
- Perfect for leftovers and meal prep: It stores well, reheats like a dream, and even gets better the next day, making it a great choice for busy schedules.
- Totally customizable: Prefer it spicier? Add jalapeños. Want it meat-free? Skip the turkey and double up on the beans. This casserole can be easily tailored to fit your cravings and dietary needs.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey (or ground beef)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) bag frozen riced cauliflower (or 4 cups fresh)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, jalapeños
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
2. Sauté the Base
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Break it up as it cooks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Add the Veggies
Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Mix in Flavor
Stir in the riced cauliflower, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, and all spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano). Mix well and cook for 5 minutes until everything is heated through and combined.
5. Add Cheese
Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese. This helps everything bind together and adds a rich, creamy texture.
6. Bake It
Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Top with your favorite extras—avocado, cilantro, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime.
Tips & Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the meat and double the black beans or add corn and zucchini for extra substance.
- Want more heat? Toss in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
- Add crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips or toasted pepitas before serving.
- Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It reheats perfectly in the microwave or oven.
The beauty of this Mexican Cauliflower Rice Casserole is in its versatility. It’s cozy enough for a chilly night, light enough for warmer days, and easy enough to throw together after a long workday. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser—no one will even miss the rice.
So next time you’re standing in the kitchen wondering what’s for dinner?, remember this bold, bubbly, flavor-packed dish. Your weeknight routine just got a whole lot more delicious.
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