Best One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

This One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines all your favorite Mexican-inspired flavors into a single pot for an easy, no-fuss dinner.

Loaded with seasoned ground meat, vibrant vegetables, tender rice, and plenty of melted cheese, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a quick and delicious solution that will make your kitchen smell amazing!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large, deep skillet or Dutch oven with a lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients Overview

• Ground Meat: A versatile protein base for the dish. Ground chicken or turkey works wonderfully for a leaner option.
• Rice: Long-grain white or brown rice is perfect for absorbing the spices and flavors.
• Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the casserole. Cheddar or a Mexican blend is ideal.
• Vegetables: Bell peppers, corn, and tomatoes bring color, texture, and nutrients.
• Spices: Classic taco seasonings like chili powder, cumin, and paprika infuse the dish with bold flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken, turkey, or beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Meat:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
   • Add ground meat, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 5–7 minutes.
   • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
2. Add Seasonings and Rice:
   • Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   • Add the uncooked rice and mix well to coat the rice in the seasonings and meat juices.
3. Add Liquids and Vegetables:
   • Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), black beans, and corn. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer:
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Add Cheese:
   • Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the casserole.
   • Cover with the lid for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños, and serve warm.

Recipe Tips

• Rice Variations: If using brown rice, increase the simmer time and liquid slightly.
• Custom Veggies: Add zucchini, spinach, or other vegetables for extra nutrition.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding chili flakes or using spicy taco seasoning.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Tortilla Chips: Scoop up the casserole or enjoy it as a side.
• Simple Salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness of the casserole.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the bold flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the meat and use an extra can of beans or add cooked lentils.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, let the casserole cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes, add the cooked rice at the end with less broth, simmer briefly, and mix until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or meal prep. Serve it with your favorite toppings and sides for a festive and filling meal!

This One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

This One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines all your favorite Mexican-inspired flavors into a single pot for an easy, no-fuss dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground chicken turkey, or beef
• 1 small onion diced
• 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn drained
• 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges

Instructions

 

• Cook the Ground Meat:
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add ground meat, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 5–7 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
• Add Seasonings and Rice:
• Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Add the uncooked rice and mix well to coat the rice in the seasonings and meat juices.
• Add Liquids and Vegetables:
• Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), black beans, and corn. Stir to combine.
• Simmer:
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
• Add Cheese:
• Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the casserole.
• Cover with the lid for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
• Serve:
• Garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños, and serve warm.