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
Scale
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.
