Description
This Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish combining seasoned ground beef, vegetables, rice, and cheese, all cooked together in a single pot. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this hearty casserole brings together classic Mexican-inspired ingredients with minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, small diced
- 1 medium onion, small diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 16 ounces salsa
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
Other Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
For Serving
- Fresh chopped cilantro
- Your favorite taco toppings
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, tomato sauce, and beef broth, mixing everything well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Add Rice and Beans: Add the long-grain white rice, black beans, and corn to the pot. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
- Cook the Casserole: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pot again and let it sit off the heat for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the casserole onto plates and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and add your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use a hot salsa or add diced jalapeños along with the bell peppers.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the taco seasoning packet is labeled gluten-free.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
- This recipe can be prepared in advance and reheated, though you may want to add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it moist.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
