One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines flavors and textures in every bite. With ground beef, rice, and zesty ingredients, this casserole is not only tasty but also easy to make. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying.
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for many reasons. First, it’s made in one pot, which means less cleanup for you. Second, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The mix of beef, rice, and cheese makes it a comforting dish that your family will love. Lastly, you can customize it easily to suit your taste. Whether you want it spicier or prefer to leave out certain ingredients, this casserole is flexible enough to adapt.
How to Make One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
Making One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is simple. Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Directions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned. Add salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the garlic powder and taco seasoning, mixing well.
- Add the rice, beef broth, corn, tomato sauce, and salsa to the skillet. Bring everything to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover the skillet, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Sprinkle the cheese on top, cover again, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
How to Serve One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
To serve, you can dish out portions directly from the skillet. This casserole is great on its own, but you can also add toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or additional salsa for extra flavor. Serve it hot and enjoy!
How to Store One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot.
Tips to Make One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
- Use lean ground beef to cut down on fat.
- Feel free to mix in some black beans or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- If you want a spicier dish, add jalapeños or use spicy salsa.
Variation
You can easily switch up the protein by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans or vegetables.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid in the recipe, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
3. What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a simple salad or tortilla chips for added crunch.
One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef to cut down on fat.
- 1 small onion, diced
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 1 15 oz can corn, drained
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- ½ cup salsa Use spicy salsa for a kick.
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned. Add salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the garlic powder and taco seasoning, mixing well.
- Add the rice, beef broth, corn, tomato sauce, and salsa to the skillet. Bring everything to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover the skillet, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Sprinkle the cheese on top, cover again, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
