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One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
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This easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a comforting and vibrant meal packed with bold Mexican flavors, colorful veggies, hearty protein, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines ground meat, rice, beans, diced tomatoes, spices, and cheese all cooked together in one dish for a flavorful, family-friendly casserole that’s simple to prepare and enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or substitute with beans/veggies for vegetarian)
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups Mexican-style shredded cheese

Spices and Herbs

  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños for heat

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat and Aromatics: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the Spices and Tomatoes: Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables. Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and black beans, mixing evenly.
  3. Stir in Rice and Broth: Add the uncooked long-grain white rice to the pot, then pour the chicken broth over the top. Stir to combine all ingredients, ensuring the rice is fully submerged in the liquid.
  4. Simmer Covered: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer undisturbed for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican-style cheese evenly over the top. If using an oven-safe pot, place it directly into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, or transfer contents to a casserole dish. Bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese melts and bubbles.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro and optional sliced jalapeños over the casserole. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use long-grain white rice for best texture and fluffiness.
  • Keep pot covered while simmering to allow rice to fully absorb flavors.
  • Add fresh cilantro at the end for brightness and color.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or hot sauce as desired.
  • Use oven-safe cookware for an easy transition from stovetop to oven.
  • Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently adding broth or water to preserve moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican rice casserole, one pot meals, ground beef casserole, easy Mexican dinner, weeknight casserole, gluten free casserole, Mexican comfort food

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/one-pot-mexican-rice-casserole/