If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that checks every box—hearty, cheesy, zesty, and practically effortless—look no further than my Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe. This crowd-pleaser is the savory, soul-warming answer to “What’s for dinner?” and it all comes together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. You get ground beef, rice, beans, veggies, and vibrant Mexican spices, all simmered together in a single pot—less mess, less stress, and more time to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal with your favorite people.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All it takes are a handful of bold, basic ingredients to transform your dinner routine. Each staple brings its own magic, from the juicy ground beef and sweet corn, to the punchy spices and creamy cheese. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, plus some handy tips for each part:
- Ground Beef: Lean and rich in flavor, this is the foundation of the casserole—swap in turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- Onion: Diced small for sweetness and aromatic depth; it gently melts into the mix as it cooks.
- Garlic: Just two cloves add noticeable warmth and irresistible aroma—use fresh if possible!
- Long Grain White Rice: The ideal variety for soaking up all those bold flavors without getting mushy.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned and juicy, tomatoes provide tanginess and moisture—choose fire-roasted for extra depth.
- Black Beans: Drained and rinsed, these add creamy texture and a satisfying bite.
- Frozen Corn: Sweet pops of flavor that balance the spices; no need to thaw before adding.
- Tomato Sauce: Gives the casserole heft and keeps the rice incredibly moist.
- Chili Powder: This smoky, earthy spice is the signature Mexican flavor—adjust to your spice preference.
- Cumin: Don’t skip it! Just a teaspoon adds subtle smokiness and warmth.
- Paprika: A little goes a long way to deepen the color and add sweet pepper notes.
- Salt: The essential flavor enhancer that ties everything together.
- Beef or Chicken Broth: It’s what the rice drinks up as it simmers, infusing the whole dish with savory goodness.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts perfectly for that crave-worthy cheesy finish—reserve some for a gooey topping.
- Chopped Cilantro and Lime Wedges: Optional, but these fresh garnishes add a vibrant punch and color at the very end.
How to Make Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by heating a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion together. Sauté, breaking up the beef into crumbles, until the meat is fully browned and the onion turns soft and translucent—this takes about 6 to 8 minutes. If you notice a lot of grease, carefully drain it off to keep the dish from feeling too heavy. This step builds the savory backbone for your Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Toss in the minced garlic and continue cooking for one more minute. Let the heat release that wonderful garlicky aroma, which sets the tone for the whole casserole. Don’t rush—this is your secret flavor weapon!
Step 3: Stir in the Rice and Veggies
Now, add your uncooked long grain white rice, the entire can of diced tomatoes (juice included), black beans, frozen corn, and the can of tomato sauce. Using everything at once makes this dish super convenient and perfectly unified in flavor.
Step 4: Season and Add Broth
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. Pour in the beef or chicken broth. Give everything a good stir so the rice is fully submerged and every spoonful gets seasoned evenly. This is where the Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe truly starts to come together.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Increase the heat to get the mixture boiling, then immediately reduce it to low and cover the pot. Let everything simmer gently, undisturbed, for 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will soak up the broth and tomatoes, becoming perfectly tender. When you gently fluff the rice, it should be cooked through without excess liquid at the bottom.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Remove the pot from heat and stir in about one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. This melts through the casserole for creamy richness in every bite. Scatter the remaining cheese over the top, cover the pot again, and let it sit for about 5 minutes so the cheese on top melts into a bubbly, mouthwatering topping.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy (or just extra hungry), sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges. That final hit of freshness elevates each bite, making this Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe taste like a fiesta at your own table!
How to Serve Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is the fun finishing touch! Fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice can make flavors pop, but you can add sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or even a dollop of sour cream to personalize each plate. The vibrant greens and creamy additions provide a lovely contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty much a meal all on its own, but you could pair it with a simple green salad, warm flour tortillas, or crisp tortilla chips for a bit of crunch. Refried beans or a scoop of guacamole round out the table for a festive spread, perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to shake things up, serve the Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun, colorful twist. Another playful idea: use as a hearty taco or burrito filling, topped with more cheese and your favorite salsa. For gatherings, scoop it into individual ramekins for an easy-to-serve, party-ready option!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be covered tightly and stashed in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld together as it sits, making each serving even more irresistible the next day. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep things fresh and fabulous.
Freezing
If you’d like to meal-prep or save the Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe for a rainy day, portion the cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. For the very best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until steaming hot, or warm larger amounts gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to soften the rice. If you want, sprinkle on a little extra cheese before reheating for an extra dose of melty goodness!
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can skip the ground beef and double the beans, or use a plant-based meat substitute. Swap vegetable broth for the beef or chicken broth, and you’ll still have a protein-packed, satisfying dish with all that irresistible flavor.
What kind of rice works best?
Long grain white rice is the classic choice because it cooks evenly and doesn’t get mushy. If you want to use brown rice, plan to add extra broth and increase the simmer time, as brown rice takes longer to cook through.
How can I make this spicier?
If your crowd likes a little extra kick, try adding chopped fresh jalapeños with the onions, or use hot diced tomatoes. You can also sprinkle in cayenne pepper or serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like it really spicy!
Can I use instant rice instead of long grain?
You can, but you’ll need to adjust your cooking time and liquid! Add the instant rice closer to the end (when there’s about 5–10 minutes left), since it cooks much faster. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Will this recipe work in a slow cooker?
The Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe was designed for the stovetop, but you can adapt it for a slow cooker by browning the meat first, then layering all the ingredients (except the cheese). Cook on low for about three hours, stirring in the cheese just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe truly delivers on every front—a little spice, a lot of cheese, and effortless cleanup. It’s become a staple in my home, and I can’t wait for you to try it too. Gather your ingredients, grab your favorite big pot, and enjoy taco night reinvented!
Print
Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines ground beef, rice, beans, and a variety of spices, all cooked together in one pot for easy preparation and minimal cleanup. With a cheesy topping and optional garnishes, this dish is a family-friendly favorite.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Rice and Seasonings:
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
Liquid and Cheese:
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess grease if needed. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Rice and Ingredients: Stir in rice, tomatoes, beans, corn, tomato sauce, spices, and salt. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 18-20 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in 1 cup cheese. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for the ground beef.
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or use hot diced tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1½ cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
