One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a super flavorful, quick and easy ground beef recipe!
Your whole family will love this tasty casserole full of beef, rice, corn, and tons of taco flavor!
This casserole tastes just like everyone’s favorite restaurant-style Mexican rice.
Except, that it is turned into a complete, hearty, meal in 30 minutes or less!
This rice casserole has always been a staple in my house because it’s something we can all agree upon.
It used to be something that I would put together and bake in the oven.
Until I realized I could just make this into a stovetop one pan dish.
It’s no surprise that I’m a bit obsessed with one pot meals.
Then there’s my other love affair with Mexican food.
So you know that I couldn’t help combining my two loves into the most glorious one pot Mexican casserole.
Ingredients
1 Pound Ground Beef
1 Small Onion, Diced
Salt & Pepper, To Taste
2 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 Cup Long Grain White Rice
1 1/2 Cups Beef Broth
1 15 Ounce Can Corn, Drained
8 Ounces Tomato Sauce
1/2 Cup Salsa
1 Cup Shredded Cheese
How To Make ONE POT MEXICAN RICE CASSEROLE
Cook the ground beef and onion together with salt and pepper to taste in a large skillet over medium high heat until beef is no longer pink.
Drain grease if necessary.
Return the pan to the stove and sprinkle the beef with the garlic powder and taco seasoning.
Stir in the rice, broth, corn, tomato sauce, and salsa.
Bring mixture to a boil.
Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
Top with cheese and return the lid to the pan for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
Here are some variations and tips to customize and perfect your One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole:
Variations:
Protein Additions:
Ground Beef or Turkey:
Brown ground beef, turkey, or chicken before adding the rice for a heartier, protein-rich casserole.
Shredded Chicken:
Stir in cooked, shredded chicken toward the end of cooking for a quicker option.
Vegetarian Option:
Skip the meat and load up with black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
Cheesy Variations:
Extra Cheesy:
Add a blend of cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Stir in some cheese throughout the casserole and save some for a melty top layer.
Queso Topping:
Drizzle queso or a cheese sauce over the casserole after it’s done cooking for an extra indulgent touch.
Spice Level:
Mild: Use mild salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies for a flavorful but less spicy version.
Spicy: Add diced jalapeños, hot salsa, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for more heat.
You can also stir in a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Vegetable Boost:
Incorporate extra veggies like corn, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to make the casserole more nutritious.
You can also add diced tomatoes, onions, and garlic for more traditional Mexican flavors.
Grain Substitutions:
Swap white rice for brown rice for a whole grain option.
Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time.
Try quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
Quinoa can be cooked the same way as rice, but cauliflower rice should be added toward the end of cooking as it cooks faster.
Topping Ideas:
Tortilla Chips: Crumble some tortilla chips on top for extra crunch.
Sour Cream & Guacamole:
Serve with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, or avocado slices to add a creamy element.
Fresh Salsa:
Spoon some fresh salsa or pico de gallo on top for added freshness and zest.
Chopped Cilantro & Lime:
Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a bright, citrusy finish.
Tips:
Sauté the Aromatics First:
Always start by sautéing onions, garlic, and any other aromatics like bell peppers to build a flavorful base for the casserole.
Use Broth Instead of Water:
Cooking the rice in chicken, vegetable, or beef broth adds more depth of flavor compared to using plain water.
Pre-cook or Rinse the Rice:
For fluffier rice, rinse it under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch.
This helps prevent the casserole from becoming too sticky or mushy.
If using brown rice or a grain with a longer cooking time, partially cook the rice beforehand to ensure everything finishes together.
Don’t Stir Too Much:
Once the rice is simmering, resist the urge to stir too often, as this can make the rice gummy.
Let it cook undisturbed for the best texture.
Adjust Liquid Depending on Ingredients:
If you add extra vegetables or beans, they may release liquid while cooking, so adjust the amount of broth or water accordingly to avoid a soggy casserole.
Cheese Last:
If adding cheese on top, let the casserole cook fully before sprinkling the cheese on.
Then, cover and let the cheese melt, or pop it under the broiler for a few minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly top.
Make Ahead and Reheat:
This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth if the rice has dried out.
These variations and tips will help you tailor your One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole to your tastes and ensure it turns out delicious every time!
Here’s a general nutritional breakdown for One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole, based on a standard serving size (about 1 cup).
The values will vary depending on the ingredients used, such as protein choices, cheese, and other toppings.
Approximate Nutritional Information (per 1 cup serving):
Calories: 300-400 kcal
Protein: 12-18 grams (higher if using meat or beans)
Fat: 10-18 grams
Saturated Fat: 4-8 grams (depends on cheese and type of meat)
Carbohydrates: 35-45 grams
Fiber: 4-6 grams (from beans, rice, and vegetables)
Sugars: 3-6 grams (depends on added salsa, corn, or tomatoes)
Cholesterol: 25-50 mg (from cheese and meat)
Sodium: 500-800 mg (varies based on seasonings, broth, and salsa used)
Potassium: 400-600 mg
Vitamin A: 15-20% of Daily Value (from vegetables and cheese)
Vitamin C: 10-15% of Daily Value (from tomatoes, peppers, and salsa)
Calcium: 10-15% of Daily Value (from cheese)
Iron: 10-15% of Daily Value (from rice, beans, and vegetables)
Key Factors Affecting Nutritional Values:
Meat Choices:
Using lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken will increase protein but add more fat and calories.
Vegetarian options like black beans or pinto beans will reduce fat but maintain protein and fiber content.
Cheese:
The amount and type of cheese used (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or low-fat versions) will impact fat, calories, and sodium levels.
Rice Type:
Using white rice will provide quick carbs, while brown rice offers more fiber and nutrients but slightly higher calories.
Cauliflower rice drastically reduces carbs and calories.
Toppings:
Adding sour cream, guacamole, or extra cheese will increase fat and calories, but using salsa or fresh vegetables can add nutrients without too many additional calories.
This casserole is a hearty and balanced meal that provides a good mix of protein, carbs, and fats, making it both satisfying and nourishing.
Adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or nutritional goals!