This hearty one-pot Mexican rice casserole combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables into a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy with your family.
Key Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers (mixed colors), chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 cup frozen corn
Seasoning Blend:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh Toppings:
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
- Pickled jalapeños
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Heat large Dutch oven over medium-high heat
- Add ground beef, break into pieces
- Cook until browned (5-7 minutes)
- Drain excess fat if desired
Step 2: Build Flavors
- Add onions and peppers to meat
- Cook until vegetables soften
- Stir in garlic and all seasonings
- Cook 1 minute until fragrant
Step 3: Rice and Liquids
- Add rice, stir to coat with spices
- Pour in tomatoes and broth
- Bring to boil, reduce to simmer
- Cover and cook 15 minutes
Step 4: Complete the Dish
- Add beans and corn
- Continue cooking 5-7 minutes
- Check rice for doneness
- Top with cheese
- Cover until melted
Pro Tips
- Rice Success:
- Don’t lift lid while cooking
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving
- Check rice at 15 minutes
- Fluff with fork before adding cheese
- Flavor Enhancement:
- Toast rice before adding liquid
- Layer seasonings throughout cooking
- Adjust spices to taste
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for depth
Variations
- Protein Options:
- Ground turkey
- Shredded chicken
- Vegetarian crumbles
- Rice Alternatives:
- Brown rice (increase cooking time)
- Mexican rice blend
- Cauliflower rice
- Bean Choices:
- Pinto beans
- Mixed beans
- Refried beans
Serving Suggestions
Perfect with:
- Warm tortillas
- Tortilla chips
- Fresh salad
- Mexican coleslaw
- Extra lime wedges
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Freeze portions up to 3 months
- Reheat with added broth
- Store toppings separately
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep Components:
- Chop vegetables in advance
- Mix seasonings ahead
- Measure ingredients before starting
- Storage Solutions:
- Use airtight containers
- Label with date
- Separate fresh toppings
This versatile casserole is perfect for:
- Busy weeknights
- Meal prep
- Family gatherings
- Potluck dinners
- Leftovers
Remember these key points for success:
- Layer flavors as you cook
- Don’t rush the rice cooking
- Let dish rest before serving
- Add fresh toppings last
This one-pot wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy families. The combination of seasoned rice, tender meat, and melty cheese creates a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Feel free to adjust the spice levels and ingredients to suit your family’s preferences. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility – make it your own while keeping the convenience of one-pot cooking!