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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the meat, sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic oils.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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