Description
This Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish combining seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, corn, and spices, all cooked together in one pan for convenience. Topped with melted cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, and optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado, and sour cream, it’s a hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids and Spices
- 1½ cups beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Optional Toppings
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant, which enhances the base flavor.
- Add Spices and Rice: Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and uncooked rice. Toast the rice and spices together for 1–2 minutes to bring out their aroma and flavor.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes with juice, frozen corn, rinsed black beans, and beef broth or water. Make sure the rice is submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts. Alternatively, you can place the skillet under a broiler briefly for a golden bubbly top.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or sour cream if desired. Serve the casserole hot for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Use vegetable broth and omit cheese to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Adjust the spices to your preference for heat and smokiness.
- If using canned corn, drain it to avoid excess moisture.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
