Quick & Zesty One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

A simmering one pot Mexican rice casserole that brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Hearty ingredients meld together in a single skillet, creating magical flavors that dance across your palate.

Layers of warm spices and tender ingredients tell a delicious story of culinary adventure.

The rich aromas filling your kitchen with promises of a satisfying meal.

Cheese melts into golden patches across fluffy rice, inviting hungry diners to gather around.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with this simple yet remarkable dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal cleanup.

This recipe will transform your ordinary evening into a celebration of bold, vibrant flavors.

Grab a spoon and let the deliciousness begin!

Why One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Is A Quick Fix Dinner

• Unleash Bold Mexican Flavors: This one-pot wonder bursts with authentic, zesty spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika that transport your taste buds straight to a vibrant Mexican kitchen.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal dishes, maximum satisfaction! Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze and turning dinner preparation into a stress-free experience for busy families.
• Pack Nutritious Comfort: Protein-rich ground beef, fiber-loaded black beans, and hearty rice create a balanced meal that satisfies hunger while delivering essential nutrients in every delicious bite.
• Customize with Ease: Top with fresh cilantro, add sour cream, or sprinkle extra cheese – this versatile casserole welcomes personal touches that make each serving uniquely yours.

What You Need For One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty base that adds rich flavor and protein to the casserole, best when lean for less grease.
• Black Beans: Provides additional protein and texture, great for vegetarian adaptation.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that create a deep, savory foundation for the dish.
• Corn: Adds sweetness and bright color to the casserole.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Provides moisture, tangy flavor, and a slight kick of heat.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Oregano: Authentic Mexican-inspired spice blend that creates depth and warmth.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that cooks the rice and infuses additional flavor.
• Uncooked Rice: Absorbs broth and spices, creating the casserole's main texture.
• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty toppings that add creaminess and richness.
• Fresh Cilantro: Optional garnish that provides fresh, bright notes.

How To Make One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole In One Go

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Grab a large skillet and start cooking ground beef over medium heat. Break the meat into small crumbles while it sizzles. Make sure to drain any extra fat so your dish doesn’t become greasy.

Step 2: Wake Up The Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the pan with the beef. Let them dance around for a few minutes until they become soft and release their delicious fragrance.

Step 3: Toast The Flavor Boosters

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the ingredients mingle for about 1-2 minutes. This helps intensify the flavors and creates a delightful aroma.

Step 4: Build The Liquid Base

• Chicken broth
• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Corn

Ensure the rice is completely covered by the liquid. Give everything a good mix so no ingredient feels left out.

Step 5: Let It Simmer

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then turn down the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook quietly for 20-25 minutes. Peek in occasionally and give a gentle stir to prevent any sticking.

Step 6: Shower With Cheese

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

Cover the pot and let the cheese melt into a gooey blanket.

Step 7: Serve And Celebrate

If you want, scatter some fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness. Scoop into bowls and enjoy your Mexican-inspired feast!

Tips To Get One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Just Right

• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast spices and rice together before adding liquids to enhance the overall taste profile and create a more complex, aromatic dish.
• Prevent Rice Sticking: Stir the casserole occasionally while simmering and use a non-stick pan to ensure the rice cooks evenly without burning or clumping.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a personalized protein alternative that suits different dietary needs.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and choose mild or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies to match your family's heat tolerance and preference.
• Make It Vegetarian-Friendly: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit ground beef to create a delicious meatless version packed with beans and vegetables.

How To Store One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole With Ease

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date to track storage time.
• Reheat Microwave: Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Reheat Stovetop: Pour casserole into skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated completely, preventing rice from burning or sticking.

Great Pairings For One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

• Zest Up with Tangy Margaritas: Cut through the hearty casserole's richness with a classic lime margarita, balancing the spicy Mexican flavors and providing a refreshing counterpoint.
• Cool Down with Creamy Avocado Salsa: Prepare a fresh avocado salsa with diced tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice to add brightness and creamy texture that complements the rice's robust profile.
• Pair with Mexican Lager: Grab a crisp, light Mexican beer like Modelo or Pacifico to wash down the casserole's bold spices and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Complement with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette to add a fresh, light element that cuts through the dish's richness and provides nutritional balance.

Tasty Changes To One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

• Spicy Chorizo Swap: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage for a bolder, more intense flavor profile that adds a zesty kick to the casserole.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Fusion: Eliminate ground beef and double the black beans, incorporating extra bell peppers and plant-based protein like crumbled tofu for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Chicken Green Chile Edition: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken and increase green chiles for a lighter, tangy southwestern-style casserole that brings fresh protein complexity.
• Mediterranean Rice Makeover: Transform the dish by using ground lamb, adding kalamata olives, feta cheese, and Mediterranean spices like oregano and za'atar for an international culinary crossover.

Your FAQs On One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice needs more liquid and cooking time. Use 2¼ cups broth and increase simmer time to 40-45 minutes. Check rice texture periodically to prevent overcooking.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild spice from chili powder and green chilies. If you want less heat, reduce chili powder or use mild green chilies. For more spice, add jalapeños or hot sauce.

• Can I make this vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or additional black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the recipe completely vegetarian.

• What if I don't have all the spices?

The core spices are chili powder and cumin. If missing some, you can still make the recipe. A pre-made taco seasoning mix works as a complete substitute for individual spices.

One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican comfort meets culinary magic in this One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole, blending zesty spices and hearty ingredients into a soul-warming dish. Packed with rich flavors and simple preparation, you’ll savor each comforting bite of this delightful meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup frozen corn (or canned corn, drained)
• 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)

Grains, Beans, and Liquids:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
• 1 (15 ounces) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet, thoroughly brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain any accumulated fat to ensure a lean base for the casserole.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the meat, sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic oils.
3. Incorporate uncooked rice and a vibrant blend of spices, gently toasting them to enhance their depth and complexity, allowing the flavors to intensify and permeate the dish.
4. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, then add black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and sweet corn kernels. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed and the rice is completely submerged in liquid.
5. Elevate the heat to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet, allowing the rice to absorb the flavorful liquid and become tender, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
6. After the rice reaches a perfect consistency, generously sprinkle a mixture of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses across the surface, creating a melted, golden blanket of richness.
7. Finish the dish with a flourish of freshly chopped cilantro, offering a bright, herbaceous contrast to the hearty casserole. Serve immediately while the cheese remains delicately melted and the flavors are at their peak.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef or swap with ground turkey for a lighter protein option that reduces overall fat content.
• Rinse black beans before adding to decrease sodium and improve digestibility for sensitive stomachs.
• Consider using brown rice instead of white for increased fiber and nutritional value, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly.
• Toast spices briefly before adding other ingredients to enhance their depth and release more complex flavor profiles.
• Prep all ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and ensure smooth, stress-free meal preparation.
• For vegetarian adaptation, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans, maintaining the dish’s hearty texture.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild or spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies based on personal preference.
• Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after cooking to help rice absorb remaining moisture and achieve perfect consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg