Sizzling One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe for Fiesta Night

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delightful one pot Mexican rice casserole that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Packed with vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish brings the warmth of Mexican cuisine straight to your dinner table.

Tender rice mingles with savory meats and aromatic spices, creating a symphony of tastes in every single bite.

The magic happens when you combine simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that comes together effortlessly.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and rich, zesty seasonings.

The best part?

You’ll have minimal cleanup with this single-pan wonder that feeds a hungry crowd.

Prepare to savor a meal that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into a fiesta of flavor.

Why One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Is a Weeknight Hero

• Effortlessly whip up a delicious meal without multiple pans or complicated steps.
• Packed with zesty Mexican-inspired seasonings that will make taste buds dance and satisfy hungry family members.
• Affordable ingredients combine to create a hearty, filling dish that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on taste.
• Easy to personalize with optional toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or jalapeños, letting everyone create their perfect plate.

All Ingredients for One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides substantial protein for the casserole.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness to the beef mixture.

• Garlic Powder, Taco Seasoning: Enhance the overall Mexican-inspired taste profile with warm and zesty spices.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the other ingredients' flavors.

• Uncooked Rice: Serves as the primary starch that absorbs the rich flavors and creates a satisfying texture.
• Beef Broth: Provides moisture and additional savory depth to cook the rice perfectly.
• Tomato Sauce, Salsa: Contribute tangy and bright sauce elements that infuse the dish with Mexican-inspired taste.
• Corn: Adds a sweet and textural component to the casserole.

• Shredded Cheese: Creates a melty, creamy finish that brings all the ingredients together.
• Optional Garnishes: Chopped Cilantro, Sour Cream, Sliced Jalapenos: Provide fresh and additional flavor options for serving.

Best Equipment for One Pot Casserole Cooking

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking ground beef, onions, and combining all ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients evenly.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure rice, broth, and other ingredients.
• Cheese Grater (optional): Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Cutting Board: For chopping onions and optional garnishes like cilantro.
• Chef's Knife: Needed for dicing onions and preparing any additional toppings.

Directions for Perfect Mexican Rice Casserole Every Time

Step 1: Brown The Protein

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble ground beef into the pan and add diced onions.

Season with salt and pepper.

Cook until beef turns completely brown and onions become translucent.

Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Spice It Up

Sprinkle taco seasoning and garlic powder over the cooked beef.

Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly across the meat.

Step 3: Create The Flavor Base

• Uncooked rice
• Beef broth
• Corn
• Tomato sauce
• Salsa

Mix everything together until well combined and ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Simmer And Cook

Increase heat and bring the mixture to a rapid boil.

Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.

Let the dish simmer quietly for 18-20 minutes until rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender.

Step 5: Cheese Blanket

Remove lid and generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.

Cover again and let cheese melt completely for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Final Touches

Plate the steaming casserole and add optional garnishes.

Tricks for Fluffy, Flavorful Mexican Rice Casserole

• Select ground beef with lower fat content to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish without compromising flavor.
• Adjust taco seasoning and salsa to match your heat preference, using mild or spicy versions based on family taste.
• Stir ingredients occasionally during cooking and ensure low, steady heat to prevent rice from sticking or scorching at the bottom of the skillet.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or black beans to increase fiber and nutrients while maintaining the Mexican-inspired profile.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes for different dietary needs and flavor variations.

Tasty Ways to Change Up Your Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Mexican Rice Skillet: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based meat crumbles for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Chicken Mexican Rice Casserole: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breast for a lighter protein option.
• Gluten-Free Mexican Rice Bowl: Use certified gluten-free taco seasoning and replace regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Spicy Green Chile Mexican Rice: Add diced green chiles and increase heat with extra jalapeños or hot sauce for a fiery kick to the original recipe.

How to Serve Up Mexican Rice Casserole with Style

• Fiesta Party Platter: Spread the casserole on a large platter, garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a vibrant, colorful presentation.
• Taco Night Twist: Serve alongside warm tortillas, letting guests create their own rice-filled tacos with extra salsa and chopped green onions.
• Nacho Style Serving: Top the casserole with crispy tortilla chips, extra cheese, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a crunchy, spicy variation that adds texture and excitement.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for quick lunches, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before eating to keep the flavors bright and fresh.

How to Store Rice Casserole for Lunches Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is shallow to help cool the dish quickly.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Store frozen for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking liquid and cooking time. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and about 45-50 minutes of cooking to become tender.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you use. For a milder version, choose mild taco seasoning and salsa. If you prefer more heat, opt for medium or hot varieties.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or black beans. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same for a delicious vegetarian version of the casserole.

One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole delivers a symphony of southwestern flavors in a single comforting dish. Robust ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Main Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) long grain white rice
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can corn, drained
• 8 ounces (227 grams) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) salsa
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheese

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with diced onions, seasoning with salt and pepper until meat loses its pink color. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Reintroduce the pan to the stovetop and generously coat the beef with garlic powder and taco seasoning, ensuring even distribution.
3. Add uncooked rice, beef broth, drained corn, tomato sauce, and salsa to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
4. Elevate heat and bring the concoction to a rolling boil. Immediately reduce to low heat, cover the skillet, and allow to simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice reaches perfect tenderness.
5. Once rice is cooked, distribute shredded cheese across the surface, then cover for an additional 2-3 minutes to create a molten, bubbling cheese layer.
6. Transfer the piping hot casserole to serving dishes, embellishing with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, dollops of sour cream, or zesty jalapeño slices to enhance the flavor profile.

Notes

• Perfectly Brown Meat: For a deep, rich flavor, avoid stirring the ground beef constantly while cooking, allowing it to develop a nice caramelized crust before breaking it apart.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust the taco seasoning and salsa to make the dish mild or extra spicy, catering to different heat preferences in your family or group.
• Make It Vegetarian: Swap ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles, keeping the same delicious Mexican-inspired taste while creating a meat-free version.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg