Description
This One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish combining ground beef, rice, black beans, corn, and spices all cooked together in a single skillet. Topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro and jalapeños, it’s an easy weeknight meal inspired by Mexican cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Veggies
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 1/2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Sauté Onions: In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary to avoid a greasy dish.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, drained black beans, frozen corn, beef or chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
- Simmer the Casserole: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes. Cook until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes so the cheese melts perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the casserole with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired. Serve the casserole hot and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the meat and substitute vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.
- Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well and make an excellent option for meal prep throughout the week.
