The Perfect One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights

This hearty one-pot Mexican rice casserole elevates ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering feast that sparks culinary excitement.

Kitchen magic happens when bold spices dance with tender grains and savory proteins.

Layers of rich flavors develop seamlessly during cooking, creating a harmonious blend that satisfies deep hunger.

Weeknight meal planning becomes stress-free with this convenient single-vessel preparation method.

Creamy textures and robust seasonings merge beautifully, promising a comforting dining experience for everyone gathered around the table.

Such a versatile dish adapts to personal preferences while maintaining its delicious core character.

Families will love digging into this crowd-pleasing meal that feels simultaneously familiar and exciting.

Why This One-Pot Mexican Dish Is a Weeknight Hero

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Enjoy a quick, hassle-free one-pot meal that combines ground beef, rice, and Mexican-inspired flavors without multiple pans or complicated cooking steps.
• Pack Protein-Packed Punch: Loaded with 27g of protein from ground beef, this casserole delivers a satisfying and filling dinner that keeps you energized and full throughout the evening.
• Burst Flavor Explosion: Taco seasoning, salsa, and tomato sauce create a vibrant, zesty taste profile that transforms boring weeknight dinners into a fiesta of deliciousness right in your skillet.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Cheesy, hearty, and easy to customize with optional toppings like sour cream or chopped cilantro, this casserole appeals to both kids and adults with its crowd-pleasing ingredients.

What You Need for This Spiced Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: Lean protein base that adds richness and flavor to the casserole.
• Taco Seasoning: Signature Mexican spice blend for authentic southwestern taste.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances overall meat and dish seasoning with subtle aromatic notes.

• Uncooked Rice: Hearty grain that absorbs flavors and creates substantial texture.

• Beef Broth: Provides moisture and deepens savory flavor profile.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds tangy richness and helps bind ingredients together.
• Salsa: Introduces fresh, zesty southwestern flavor with chunky texture.

• Corn: Sweet kernel vegetable that adds color and natural sweetness.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating creamy, golden finish.

• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance overall taste and balance flavors.

How to Cook This Zesty Mexican Bake in One Pot

Step 1: Brown The Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook until meat is completely browned, then drain excess grease.

Step 2: Season The Meat

• Taco seasoning
• Garlic powder

Stir thoroughly to coat meat evenly.

Step 3: Combine Rice And Liquid Ingredients

• Uncooked rice
• 1 beef broth
• Can of corn
• Tomato sauce
• Salsa

Stir all ingredients until well combined.

Step 4: Simmer The Casserole

Bring mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until rice becomes tender.

Step 5: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Serve hot directly from the skillet for a delicious and easy meal that requires minimal cleanup.

Flavor-Boosting Tips for a Better Rice Casserole

• Select Lean Beef: Choose ground beef with 85% or 90% lean meat to minimize excess grease and ensure a healthier, less oily casserole.
• Toast Rice First: Briefly toast uncooked rice in the skillet before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
• Check Liquid Absorption: Gently fluff rice with a fork during cooking to ensure even moisture distribution and prevent burning.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust taco seasoning and salsa heat according to your family's preference for a personalized flavor profile.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let casserole rest for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese to achieve perfect, evenly melted coverage without overcooking.

Easy Ways to Store and Reheat Mexican Casserole

• Refrigeration: Transfer any remaining casserole into an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Carefully seal the lid to prevent moisture loss and protect the flavor. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste.
• Freezing: Want to preserve this delicious meal longer? Wrap the casserole tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or place in a freezer-friendly container. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing its delectable texture and taste. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Reheating: Revive your one-pot Mexican rice casserole by using the microwave or oven.

Favorite Toppings and Sides for Mexican Rice

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Combine the rich, spicy flavors of the Mexican rice casserole with a classic margarita. The citrusy lime and tequila cut through the hearty beef and cheese, creating a refreshing balance.
• Serve with Crisp Cilantro Slaw: Whip up a quick side of cilantro-lime coleslaw to add crunch and brightness. The tangy, fresh slaw complements the warm, cheesy casserole and provides a cool contrast.
• Add Fresh Guacamole on Top: Scoop creamy, homemade guacamole over the casserole just before serving. The smooth avocado and fresh herbs enhance the Mexican-inspired flavors and add a luxurious texture.
• Cool Down with Mexican Beer: Crack open a cold Corona or Modelo to wash down the spicy, cheesy dish. The light, crisp beer helps cleanse the palate and provides a perfect accompaniment to the robust casserole.

Fresh Takes on the Classic Casserole Style

• Chicken Fiesta Fusion: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option that brings zesty flavor and cuts down on cooking time.
• Vegetarian Mexican Bowl: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles, maintaining the robust Mexican-inspired seasoning profile while creating a meatless alternative.
• Spicy Pepper Poblano Edition: Enhance the casserole by adding roasted poblano peppers and using pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat and complexity in the dish.
• Quinoa Power Swap: Substitute traditional rice with quinoa to boost protein content and create a more nutrient-dense meal that keeps the same delicious Mexican-style seasonings.

One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican Rice Casserole brings zesty flavors and hearty comfort to your dinner table. Packed with tender rice, spicy seasonings, and rich protein, this one-pot wonder delivers a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• ½ cup salsa
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Vegetables and Additions:

• 15 ounces canned corn, drained
• 1 small diced onion

Cheese and Garnish:

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Seasoning:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and thoroughly brown of ground beef, seasoning with salt and black pepper, then carefully drain any accumulated fat.
2. Return the skillet to the stovetop and generously coat the meat with of taco seasoning and of garlic powder, ensuring every morsel is evenly seasoned.
3. Add of uncooked long-grain white rice into the beef mixture, stirring to combine and lightly toast the grains.
4. Pour in 1 ½ cups of beef broth, one 15-ounce can of whole kernel corn (undrained), an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce, and ½ cup of prepared salsa, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Once rice is cooked, sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, replace the lid, and allow cheese to melt completely for 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving directly from the skillet to maintain warmth and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Customize this hearty one-pot meal with personal flair by swapping ground beef for shredded chicken or plant-based protein alternatives.
• Meal preparation becomes a breeze with this streamlined recipe that eliminates multiple cooking steps and dirty dishes.
• Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to three days, making perfect next-day lunch options.
• Enhance flavor complexity by incorporating additional spices like cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika during meat seasoning stage.
• Budget-friendly ingredients transform this dish into an economical weeknight dinner solution that satisfies hungry families without breaking the bank.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 508 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 861mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 90mg