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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Reintroduce the pan to the stovetop and generously coat the beef with garlic powder and taco seasoning, ensuring even distribution.
- Add uncooked rice, beef broth, drained corn, tomato sauce, and salsa to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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