Name: Mexican Rice Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 Pound Ground Beef.; 1 Small Onion, Diced.; Salt & Pepper, To Taste.; 2 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning.; 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder.; 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice.; 1 1/2 Cups Beef Broth.; 1 15 Ounce Can Corn, Drained.; 8 Ounces Tomato Sauce.; 1/2 Cup Salsa.; 1 Cup Shredded Cheese.

This One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a quick, filling, and delicious meal. Seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a mix of corn, salsa, and tomato sauce come together in one skillet, topped with melted cheese for a comforting dish everyone will love. Customize with your favorite toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or jalapeños for an extra kick. This recipe is versatile, easy to adapt, and sure to become a family favorite.

One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheese all in one skillet. This easy, fuss-free meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, filling, and delicious. With a combination of taco seasoning, garlic, and salsa, this casserole is packed with Mexican-inspired flavors that the whole family will love. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need to create this comforting dish.

INGREDIENTS

Ground Beef: 1 pound, providing the protein base for this casserole, adding richness and heartiness.
Onion: 1 small, diced, for added flavor and texture, sautéed with the ground beef.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, used to season the beef and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Taco Seasoning: 2 tablespoons, infusing the dish with classic Mexican flavors like chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon, adding a subtle, aromatic garlic flavor.
Long Grain White Rice: 1 cup, which will cook directly in the skillet, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
Beef Broth: 1 1/2 cups, used to cook the rice, adding depth and savory notes to the dish.
Canned Corn: 1 (15-ounce) can, drained, adding sweetness and texture to the casserole.
Tomato Sauce: 8 ounces, providing a rich, tomato base that ties all the ingredients together.
Salsa: 1/2 cup, adding a bit of spice and tanginess to the dish.
Shredded Cheese: 1 cup, melted over the top to create a gooey, cheesy finish that makes the casserole irresistible.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together with salt and pepper to taste. Stir frequently until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. If necessary, drain any excess grease from the pan to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.
Step 2:: Return the skillet to the stove and sprinkle the cooked beef with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Stir the spices into the beef until it is evenly coated, ensuring the flavors are well distributed.
Step 3:: Add the uncooked long grain white rice, 1 1/2 cups of beef broth, drained corn, tomato sauce, and salsa to the skillet. Stir everything together, making sure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid. This will help it cook evenly and absorb all the flavors.
Step 4:: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked. Check occasionally to ensure the rice isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 5:: Once the rice is cooked, remove the lid and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6:: Serve the One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish!

Serving and Storage Tips

One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is best served hot, straight from the skillet. This dish makes for a satisfying main course on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of tortilla chips, a simple salad, or guacamole for a more complete meal. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some chopped jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce before serving.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the casserole in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the rice seems dry during reheating.

Helpful Notes

This recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted to your preferences. For a spicier version, consider adding diced green chilies or using a hot salsa. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

If you want to make this dish even heartier, add a can of black beans or pinto beans during the cooking process. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Tips from well-known chefs

Chef Rick Bayless suggests using a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack, to add more depth of flavor to the dish. He also recommends garnishing with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness.

Chef Aarón Sánchez advises letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set. This also makes it easier to serve.

Chef Marcela Valladolid recommends using homemade taco seasoning if you have the time, as it allows you to control the spice level and adjust the flavors to your liking.