Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

This Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a game-changer for busy weeknights! Imagine all your favorite Mexican flavors—seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and melty cheese—coming together with tender rice in one skillet. Ready in under an hour with minimal cleanup, this hearty, comforting dish will quickly become a family favorite that everyone will request again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor. Using lean beef (85/15) gives you meaty flavor without excessive grease.
• Bell Pepper and Onion: Creates an aromatic base and adds vibrant color and nutrients.
• Garlic: Adds that irreplaceable punch of flavor that makes the dish taste complete.
• Taco Seasoning: The shortcut to perfect Mexican flavor in every bite—use store-bought for convenience or homemade for control over spice levels.
• Black Beans: Adds protein, fiber, and that classic Mexican-inspired texture.
• Corn: Provides sweet pops of flavor and bright yellow color throughout the dish.
• Beef Broth: Infuses the rice with savory flavor as it cooks.
• Salsa: Does double duty—adding both liquid for cooking the rice and bringing instant flavor complexity.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates a silky texture and balances the acidity in the dish.
• Long-Grain White Rice: The perfect canvas that absorbs all the amazing flavors while providing satisfying texture.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheese pull and adds creamy richness.
• Cilantro: Brightens the whole dish with its fresh, distinctive flavor.

Variations

• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or chorizo instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and double up on beans, or add diced zucchini and mushrooms for a hearty meatless option.
• Heat Level Adjustments: Use mild, medium, or hot salsa to control spiciness, or add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
• Rice Alternatives: Try brown rice for a nuttier flavor and more fiber (note: you’ll need to increase cooking time and liquid slightly).
• Bean Variety: Swap black beans for pinto beans or a mix of both for textural interest.

How to Make Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Meat and Vegetables

In a large, deep-sided skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced bell pepper, and onion. Cook together until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then add the minced garlic and cook for just one minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Flavorful Ingredients

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. Add the drained black beans, corn, beef broth, salsa, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Once boiling, add the rice and stir to distribute it evenly throughout the mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally (about every 10 minutes) to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish

When the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the skillet from the heat. Add half of the shredded cheese and stir it into the hot mixture until melted. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover again, and let it melt from the residual heat.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top and serve with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, diced avocado, extra salsa, or sliced jalapeños.

How to Serve

Main Event

Serve in bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, and extra cilantro for a complete meal.

Family-Style Presentation

Place the skillet in the center of the table with small bowls of different toppings around it, allowing everyone to customize their portion.

Taco Bar Extension

Use this casserole as the hearty base for a taco bar, offering tortillas (soft and crispy), various salsas, guacamole, lettuce, and hot sauces.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the casserole cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as everything melds together.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For individual portions, microwave with a sprinkle of water to keep the rice moist. For larger amounts, reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes). Add a little extra cheese on top during the last few minutes of reheating for a fresh-made taste.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole brings together simplicity and flavor in the most delightful way. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss, it’s also special enough for casual entertaining. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability—make it your own with your favorite toppings and adjustments. I promise once you try this recipe, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

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