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One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s packed with bold spices, tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked rice, all in one pot! This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal without the hassle of multiple dishes.
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Equipment

  • Kitchen Equipment Needed
  • Large pot or deep skillet with a lid
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh cilantro chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
  • Sauté the Vegetables:
  • Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the ground beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  • Add the Rice and Seasonings:
  • Stir in the rice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast and absorb the flavors.
  • Add the Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth:
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
  • Cook the Casserole:
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Finish with Cheese:
  • Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover the pot again and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve:
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve the casserole hot, straight from the pot. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful meal with a side of tortilla chips, sour cream, or guacamole.
  • Prep Time:
  • 15 minutes
  • Cook Time:
  • 35 minutes
  • Total Time:
  • 50 minutes
  • Nutrition (per serving):
  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 1000mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42g
  • Dietary Fiber: 7g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 24g
  • This One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a kick. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd with minimal cleanup required. The bold flavors and cheesy goodness make it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!