Here’s a flavorful, family-friendly recipe for One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole — hearty, cheesy, and ready in about 30–40 minutes.
🌮 One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained)
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, avocado, lime wedges.
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Meat
In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat:
- Cook ground beef and onion until browned.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
2️⃣ Add Everything Else (Except Cheese)
Stir in:
- Rice
- Beans
- Tomatoes (with juice)
- Corn
- Broth
- Taco seasoning
Bring to a gentle boil.
3️⃣ Simmer
- Reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4️⃣ Add Cheese
- Sprinkle cheese over the top.
- Cover again for 2–3 minutes until melted.
5️⃣ Serve
Top with your favorite garnishes and serve warm.
🔥 Tips & Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra beans or bell peppers.
- Spicier version: Add diced green chilies or hot sauce.
- Creamier texture: Stir in ¼ cup cream cheese before adding shredded cheese.
- Swap grains: Use brown rice (increase cooking time and liquid slightly).
This dish is:
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Kid-approved
✔ Great for meal prep
✔ Freezer-friendly
If you’d like, I can also give you a low-carb version, a slow cooker version, or a baked oven-style version.
