If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and simple enough to whip up any night of the week, this Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant, hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, tender rice, sweet corn, and a melty cheddar finish — all cooked together in one pot. This recipe not only saves you time on cleanup but also brings the comforting, festive tastes of Mexican-inspired cuisine straight to your table with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role, creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that truly make this dish a crowd-pleaser. The simplicity of these staples means you can often find everything right in your pantry or fridge, making it a go-to meal for busy days.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides rich, hearty protein and a savory base for the casserole.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning: Brings a perfect blend of spices for an authentic Mexican flavor kick.
- 1 cup tomato sauce: Offers tangy moisture that ties all ingredients together beautifully.
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds a fresh, mild kick and colorful bursts throughout the casserole.
- 1 cup corn kernels: Sweetness and slight crunch, whether fresh, frozen, or canned.
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: Absorbs all the savory juices and flavors while giving body to the dish.
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth: Provides a rich liquid base that cooks the rice and enhances the beefy taste.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: For that irresistible, creamy, melted topping everyone loves.
- Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro: These add freshness, creaminess, and zing right before serving.
How to Make Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s fully browned. Breaking it apart as it cooks ensures every bite has that perfect meaty texture. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat; this keeps the dish from turning greasy and allows the other ingredients to shine.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma. This foundation adds sweetness and depth to the casserole’s flavor profile.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir it through the beef and aromatics. Letting it cook for about a minute helps release all those bold spices – think cumin, paprika, and chili powder – which make this recipe stand out as a beloved Mexican-inspired classic.
Step 4: Combine Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, Corn, Rice, and Broth
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, the corn kernels, uncooked rice, and beef broth. Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. This mixture creates a savory, comforting stew that will cook into a hearty casserole.
Step 5: Simmer Until Rice is Tender
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover your skillet and let it simmer for about 18 to 20 minutes. This gives the rice ample time to absorb all the flavorful broth and soften perfectly while the other ingredients meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Let it Melt
Once the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, remove the lid and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt for 2 to 3 minutes. This cheesy layer adds irresistible creaminess and makes every bite comforting and indulgent.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, finish your Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe by garnishing with dollops of sour cream, diced fresh tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. These fresh toppings add brightness and a bit of tang that balances the richness of the casserole perfectly.
How to Serve Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Never underestimate the power of a good garnish. Sour cream adds a luxurious creaminess that cuts through the spice, while diced tomatoes bring a juicy, fresh pop of flavor. Plus, a handful of chopped cilantro offers a fragrant, herbal note that truly elevates the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, warm tortillas, or guacamole can turn your meal into an exciting fiesta. A simple avocado and lime salad or black beans make a wonderful, balanced complement to the rich flavors of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins and top with a sprinkle of cheese and your favorite salsa. Alternatively, use it as a filling for large bell peppers before baking to bring a new shape and texture to this trusty recipe. Presentation can turn a simple dish into a special occasion meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole keeps well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal again with ease.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or microwave until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice fluffy and moist while reheating.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well and reduce fat content. For a vegetarian option, you can swap the meat with black beans or plant-based crumbles.
Is it necessary to rinse the rice before cooking?
Rinsing rice is optional here, but it can help reduce excess starch, preventing the casserole from becoming too sticky or mushy.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free taco seasoning and broth. Always check labels to be sure.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is classic for its sharpness and meltability, but you can also try Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or black beans can be stirred in along with the corn for extra nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
This Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe is a shining example of how comfort food can be both simple and beautifully flavorful. Whether you’re feeding a family, planning a casual dinner, or just want an effortless meal that satisfies, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes!
Print
Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a quick and flavorful dish combining ground beef, rice, corn, tomatoes, and cheese simmered together in a single skillet. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this casserole blends traditional Mexican flavors with convenience, resulting in a comforting and cheesy meal that serves six.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large deep skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and become fragrant.
- Add taco seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for an additional minute, ensuring the seasoning is well mixed with the beef and aromatics.
- Combine main ingredients: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn kernels, uncooked rice, and beef broth. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the casserole: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Melt the cheese: Remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Replace the lid and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Serve the casserole warm for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use a deep skillet or a large sauté pan with a lid to ensure even cooking and prevent liquid from escaping.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- To make it vegetarian, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
