Description
This Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish combining seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese into a simple, hearty meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole simmers all the ingredients together in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum taste. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and customizable garnishes like sour cream and fresh cilantro, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe full of vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Seasonings and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large deep skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain the excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute to fully incorporate the flavors into the meat and vegetables.
- Combine Sauce and Ingredients: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, uncooked rice, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly in the skillet.
- Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the casserole with optional toppings such as sour cream, diced fresh tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to reduce the salt content if desired.
- Frozen corn can be used without thawing; just add it directly to the skillet.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily on the stovetop or microwave.
