If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together with minimal fuss, you’ll absolutely love this Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe. This vibrant casserole blends seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a burst of southwestern flavors all baked to cheesy perfection in one pan. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings where everyone wants something delicious without endless dishes afterward.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe, you’ll use simple ingredients that pack incredible flavor and texture. Each component works together to create a balance of hearty, spicy, and cheesy goodness that everyone will want seconds of.
- Lean ground beef: Provides a rich, savory base and packs in protein for a satisfying meal.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that brightens the casserole.
- Onion: Offers aromatic depth and subtle sweetness when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves: Gives a fragrant punch that lifts all the savory flavors.
- Taco seasoning packet: Infuses the dish with classic southwest spices without extra measuring or fuss.
- Black beans: Add a creamy, earthy element and boost fiber content.
- Corn: Brings a touch of natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Beef broth: Cooks the rice while enriching the casserole with meaty flavor.
- Salsa: Introduces vibrant tomato tang and a little heat (adjust spiciness to your taste).
- Tomato sauce: Deepens the tomato flavor and helps bind all ingredients.
- Long-grain white rice: Absorbs all those amazing flavors and provides a tender, fluffy texture.
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese: Adds gooey, melty richness with a mild bite—divide to top the casserole nicely.
- Fresh chopped cilantro: Used as a finishing touch to brighten every bite and add herbal freshness.
- Your favorite taco toppings: Customizable extras, like sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños, for serving.
How to Make Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat, then toss in the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This step lays down the foundation of flavor and aroma that will make your casserole truly irresistible.
Step 2: Season and Stir in Beans and Corn
Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the beef and veggie mixture, stirring well to evenly coat. Next, add the drained and rinsed black beans along with the corn. These ingredients add heartiness and a subtle sweetness that balances the spice from the seasoning. Stir everything together so that it’s evenly combined and bursting with southwestern flair.
Step 3: Add Rice, Liquids, and Simmer
Pour in the beef broth, salsa, and tomato sauce, stirring to blend all the flavors. Sprinkle the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly across the pan, but don’t stir it in—just let it sit on top. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid as it cooks. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and let it cook for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Top with Cheese and Bake
Once the rice is cooked through, remove the lid and sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly. This final touch transforms the casserole into a luscious, cheesy masterpiece that everyone will rave about.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
After removing the casserole from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of vibrant color and herbal brightness. Serve with your favorite taco toppings on the side to let everyone customize their plate just the way they like.
How to Serve Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped cilantro is a classic garnish for this Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe, adding freshness and a pop of green. Dollops of sour cream, slices of creamy avocado, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime also elevate the flavors and offer cooling relief from the spices.
Side Dishes
This casserole is satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad, warm tortillas, or a bowl of refried beans. These simple sides complement the casserole perfectly and keep the meal feeling authentically Mexican-inspired.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins topped with cheese and fresh garnishes. You can also bake it in a decorative ceramic dish for a festive presentation at family dinners or potlucks. This casserole is as versatile visually as it is in flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the leftovers just as delicious, if not more so, than the day it was made.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well. To freeze, cool it completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to retain moisture, until heated through—usually about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings covered with a damp paper towel for a quicker option, stirring halfway through for even reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can skip the ground beef and add extra beans, vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, or even a meat substitute to keep it hearty. Using vegetable broth instead of beef broth will maintain the great flavor.
What type of rice works best for this casserole?
Long-grain white rice is ideal because it absorbs the liquid nicely without becoming mushy. Avoid quick-cooking or instant rice varieties as they don’t hold up well in baking and might alter the texture.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! While Colby Jack melts beautifully and offers mild flavor, you can substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend depending on your preference and what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Definitely. Just ensure your taco seasoning, salsa, and tomato sauce are labeled gluten-free, as some brands contain additives with gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe quite friendly for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust it?
The spice level depends mostly on the taco seasoning and salsa you use. For a milder casserole, choose a mild seasoning and salsa, or reduce the amount. For more heat, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that feels like a celebration of comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family or making a cozy meal for yourself, it’s simplicity at its best with no compromise on taste. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—it’s truly one of those dishes you’ll reach for time and again!
Print
Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish combining seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and cheese all cooked together in a single pot. Perfect for a family dinner, it features a blend of Mexican spices, tender vegetables, and a cheesy topping that melts to perfection. Serve with fresh cilantro and your favorite taco toppings for a comforting and filling meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, small diced
- 1 medium onion, small diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (about 15 ounces)
- 1 can corn, drained (about 15 ounces)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 16 ounces salsa
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
For Serving
- Fresh chopped cilantro
- Your favorite taco toppings (sour cream, avocado, jalapenos, etc.)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables and season: Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning until fragrant and well combined.
- Add liquids and rice: Pour in the beef broth, salsa, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine, then add the uncooked white rice. Mix well.
- Add beans and corn: Fold in the drained black beans and corn evenly throughout the mixture.
- Simmer the casserole: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer gently for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add cheese and melt: Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let it sit off the heat for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon the casserole onto plates and top with the remaining ½ cup cheese, fresh chopped cilantro, and your choice of taco toppings.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing mild or hot salsa and taco seasoning.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, transfer the casserole to a baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave.
