Fiery One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe That Sizzles

Comfort meets zest in this mouthwatering one pot mexican rice casserole that promises to spice up your dinner routine.

Packed with robust flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish delivers a delightful culinary experience.

Each bite brings together creamy rice, tender proteins, and vibrant spices in a seamless blend.

The recipe combines traditional Mexican elements with easy-prep convenience, making weeknight meals both delicious and stress-free.

Layers of seasoned ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying meal that speaks to the soul of home cooking.

Cheesy, warm, and wonderfully filling, this casserole transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Tasty Ingredients In One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: Delivers hearty texture and rich, meaty flavor; choose lean cuts for healthier option.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses deep, savory undertones and helps cook rice perfectly; opt for low-sodium varieties.

• Onion, Garlic: Build foundational flavor profile with aromatic warmth; select fresh, firm produce.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Oregano: Spark vibrant Mexican-inspired taste; ensure spices are fresh and fragrant.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance overall seasoning; use kosher salt for better control.

• Rice: Creates satisfying base with fluffy texture; long-grain white rice works best.
• Black Beans: Adds protein and creamy element; rinse canned beans to reduce sodium.
• Corn: Introduces sweet crunch and color; frozen or canned both work wonderfully.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Provides tangy moisture and mild heat; fire-roasted type adds extra depth.
• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Delivers creamy richness and melty goodness; shred fresh for best melting.
• Cilantro: Optional bright, fresh garnish with zesty finish; chop just before serving.

Tools You’ll Use For One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

• Large skillet or deep pot: Essential for browning beef and cooking the entire casserole.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices and seasonings.
• Can opener: Needed to open canned beans and tomatoes.
• Cheese grater: Useful for shredding cheese if not buying pre-shredded.
• Lid or tight-fitting cover: Necessary for simmering rice and melting cheese.

Easy Steps For One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

• Beef Foundation

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it into small pieces and draining any extra fat.

• Aromatic Awakening

Toss in onions and garlic, letting them dance and release their fragrant essence until soft and golden.

• Spice Symphony

Introduce rice and a carnival of spices, stirring to coat each grain with rich, bold flavors and awaken their potential.

• Liquid Magic

Pour in broth, beans, tomatoes, and corn, creating a vibrant landscape of textures and colors that will blend into a delicious masterpiece.

• Slow Transformation

Cover and let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the rice to absorb all the incredible flavors while becoming perfectly tender.

• Cheesy Finale

Sprinkle a blanket of melty cheese across the top, letting it cascade and melt into every delicious crevice.

• Celebration

Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro for a burst of brightness and herbaceous joy.

Tips To Make One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Flavorful

• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies. For extra kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce directly into the mixture.
• Protein Power Switch: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different flavor profiles and dietary needs. Vegetarians can use black beans as the primary protein source.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole up to two days in advance and store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out. The flavors often improve after resting overnight.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly the broth and spice mixes. This recipe naturally works well for gluten-sensitive individuals with minimal modifications.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: Portion and freeze individual servings for quick meals. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, and store up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.

How To Serve One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

• Fiesta Family Feast: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table with vibrant flavors and easy sharing.
• Fresh Toppings Extravaganza: Sprinkle chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or dollop sour cream to customize each serving and add extra texture and brightness.
• Protein Power-Up: Complement the casserole with grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy taco-seasoned shrimp for additional protein and variety.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Repurpose remaining casserole by wrapping in tortillas for delicious burritos, stuffing into bell peppers, or using as a hearty topping for crispy nachos.

Smart Storage For One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavors and texture.
• Quick Reheating Hack: Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons water before microwaving to restore moisture. Stir midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly and prevent dry spots.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers. Stays delectable for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Batch Cooking Wisdom: Double the recipe and portion into individual containers. Perfect for meal prep, creating ready-to-eat lunches or quick dinners during busy weekdays.

Hearty One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty one pot mexican rice casserole blends savory ingredients for a comforting meal. Mexican spices and tender ingredients combine in a simple, satisfying dish that invites you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen corn (or canned corn, drained)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Thoroughly brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking into small crumbles and draining excess fat for a lean foundation.
2. Aromatic Enhancement: Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic with the meat until vegetables become translucent, releasing their fragrant essence.
3. Flavor Infusion: Add uncooked rice and spices, gently toasting to amplify depth and complexity, allowing ingredients to develop a rich, robust profile.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth into the skillet, then mix in black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and corn kernels, ensuring even distribution and complete rice submersion.
5. Cooking Process: Bring to a rapid boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook until rice becomes tender, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
6. Cheese Finale: Generously sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the surface, creating a molten, golden blanket that adds creamy richness to the casserole.
7. Garnish and Serve: Crown the dish with freshly chopped cilantro, offering a vibrant, herbaceous contrast. Serve immediately while cheese remains delicately melted and flavors are at their peak.

Notes

• Meat Precision: Brown ground beef thoroughly and drain excess fat to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a clean, rich flavor profile.
• Spice Awakening: Toast spices with rice before adding liquid to unlock deeper, more complex flavor notes and enhance overall taste intensity.
• Liquid Balance: Ensure rice is completely submerged in broth to guarantee even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked grains.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle cheese at the end and cover briefly to create a perfectly melted, golden topping without overcooking or burning.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg