One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings together all the classic tastes of Mexican cuisine in one convenient pot. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, offering a hearty meal with minimal cleanup. Here’s how you can make this delicious casserole:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend works well)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet or pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the beef until it’s browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan.
2. Add Seasonings and Rice:
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning and garlic powder over the browned ground beef. Stir well to coat the meat and onions with the spices.
- Add the uncooked long grain white rice to the pot, stirring it into the beef mixture. Allow the rice to toast slightly for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step enhances the flavor of the rice.
3. Add Liquid Ingredients:
- Pour in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this adds flavor to the dish).
- Add the drained corn, tomato sauce, and salsa to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Simmer the Casserole:
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
- Allow the casserole to cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Be sure to check the casserole occasionally, giving it a stir to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
5. Add the Cheese:
- Once the rice is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed, turn off the heat.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the pot again and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. Serve:
- Once the cheese is fully melted, uncover the pot and give the casserole a final stir to mix the cheese throughout the dish.
- Serve the One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado, or extra salsa.
Serving Suggestions:
- Taco Night: Serve this casserole as a main dish alongside homemade guacamole, tortilla chips, and a fresh salad for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
- Wrap It Up: Use this casserole as a filling for burritos or soft tacos. Simply spoon the mixture into a warm tortilla, add your favorite toppings, and roll it up.
- Top It Off: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on top of each serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Protein Alternatives: While ground beef is traditional in this recipe, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor profile.
- Rice Options: If you prefer brown rice or a different type of grain, adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. Brown rice, for example, will require a longer cooking time and more liquid.
- Veggie Boost: Add additional vegetables to the casserole, such as diced bell peppers, black beans, or zucchini, to increase the nutritional content and add more color to the dish.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack cheese would all add delicious flavor variations.
- Make It Spicy: If you like your food with a bit of heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the casserole.
- Leftover Friendly: This casserole reheats well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Friendly: This dish also freezes well. Simply allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy and Convenient: Everything is cooked in one pot, which means less mess and fewer dishes to clean up.
- Customizable: This recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of taco seasoning, salsa, and cheese ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a quick and easy meal that delivers on both taste and convenience. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner solution or a dish to share at a potluck, this casserole is sure to please. With its bold flavors and comforting texture, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy the ease of a one-pot meal while savoring the delicious taste of Mexican cuisine.
