Mexican Brown Rice Bake – Gluten-Free, Flavor-Packed, and Perfect for Weeknights

Bylina

When comfort food meets healthy eating, magic happens — and this Mexican Brown Rice Bake is exactly that. It’s cheesy, hearty, packed with bold flavor, and entirely gluten-free. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a family, or simply looking for a satisfying dinner that checks all the boxes, this dish is a total winner. The best part? It uses simple ingredients and comes together with minimal fuss.

Let’s dig into how this baked casserole-style meal can become a new staple in your gluten-free recipe lineup.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Brown Rice Bake

  • Gluten-Free & Family-Approved – No tricky substitutes or hard-to-find ingredients here.
  • One Dish Meal – Everything bakes in one dish, meaning fewer dirty dishes.
  • Great for Leftovers – This recipe tastes even better the next day.
  • Customizable – Make it vegetarian, spicy, or protein-packed depending on your mood.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup cooked black beans (or canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
  • 1 ½ cups salsa (use your favorite — mild, medium, or hot)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • ½ cup chopped green onions (or red onions)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or ground beef for a heartier version

Toppings (optional but encouraged):

  • Diced avocado
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Jalapeño slices
  • Lime wedges

How to Make It

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan.

Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, black beans, corn, salsa, ¾ of the cheese, green onions, and spices. Stir well to make sure everything is evenly coated and seasoned.

Step 3: Add Protein (Optional)
If you’re adding cooked chicken or ground beef, fold it into the mixture at this stage.

Step 4: Bake It
Pour everything into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Add your favorite toppings and dig in!

Make It Your Way

Make It Vegan – Skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free alternative. Swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based version.

Make It Spicy – Use hot salsa, add chopped jalapeños, or sprinkle in some cayenne for heat lovers.

Switch Up the Beans – Pinto beans or kidney beans work great too!

Add Extra Veggies – Bell peppers, zucchini, or chopped spinach can be mixed right in.

Meal Prep Tip:
This recipe is great to portion into meal containers for the week. It holds up beautifully in the fridge and reheats like a dream.

Is This Dish Kid-Friendly?

Absolutely! The mild version is cheesy, cozy, and easy to eat. If your kids don’t love beans, try mashing them slightly before mixing to blend into the dish more easily. Serve with tortilla chips and a bit of sour cream for a fun, build-your-own taco bowl vibe.

Gluten-Free Goodness

Brown rice is naturally gluten-free, and all the ingredients in this dish are easy to find without gluten. Just be sure to double-check your salsa and seasoning blends to make sure there are no hidden additives.

Bonus: If you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease, this is a great dish to bring to potlucks — it’s hearty, holds its shape, and no one will even realize it’s gluten-free.

What to Serve With It

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

  • A crisp side salad with lime vinaigrette
  • Tortilla chips and guacamole
  • Roasted vegetables or sautéed greens
  • A cold cucumber or tomato salad for contrast

Storage and Reheating

To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Portion into individual containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Brown Rice Bake proves that gluten-free cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or bland. It’s warm, hearty, bursting with flavor, and super easy to customize for different tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or just want to cozy up with something cheesy and satisfying, this bake has your back.

Next time you’ve got some leftover brown rice in the fridge, give this recipe a try — it might just become a new favorite.