One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

A hearty and flavorful dish, this One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with vibrant spices, tender rice, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, it’s a family-friendly recipe perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Best of all, everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under an hour, perfect for hectic evenings.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spices, protein, or toppings to suit your preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A delicious combination of Mexican-inspired flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Bell peppers
• Garlic
• Long-grain white rice
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Chicken or beef broth
• Black beans
• Corn
• Taco seasoning
• Shredded cheese
• Cilantro (optional)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
6. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or crumbled tofu instead of ground beef.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and double the beans or add diced zucchini for a veggie boost.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding chopped jalapeños or extra chili powder.
• Toppings: Top with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if the rice has dried out.
• Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid slightly as brown rice takes longer to cook.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole as directed, let it cool, and refrigerate. Reheat when ready to serve.

3. Is this dish spicy?

Not particularly, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less taco seasoning or incorporating spicy toppings.

4. Can I skip the cheese?

Yes, the dish will still be flavorful without the cheese, but it won’t have the creamy, melty topping.

5. What other toppings work well with this casserole?

Try sour cream, diced avocado, chopped green onions, or crushed tortilla chips.

6. Can I use a different type of rice?

You can use jasmine or basmati rice, but cooking times may vary. Avoid instant rice, as it might become mushy.

7. How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom?

Make sure to stir occasionally while the dish simmers and keep the heat low to avoid burning.

8. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker, but you’ll need to cook the meat and sauté the veggies first.

9. What can I serve with this casserole?

It pairs well with a side of tortilla chips, a fresh salad, or a dollop of guacamole.

10. How do I make it dairy-free?

Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.

Conclusion

This One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a versatile and satisfying recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a meal prep-friendly option, this dish delivers on flavor and convenience. Try it today and enjoy a stress-free, delicious dinner!

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