One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole – A Flavor-Packed, Easy Dinner!
A Hearty, One-Pan Meal Ready in 30 Minutes
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, this One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is just the thing! Packed with savory ground beef, tender rice, sweet corn, and bold taco spices, this dish delivers restaurant-style Mexican flavors in a fraction of the time. Plus, it all comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this one-pot wonder is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Each ingredient in this casserole plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor:
- 1 pound ground beef – Provides a hearty, protein-packed base.
- 1 small onion, diced – Adds a mild, aromatic sweetness.
- Salt & pepper, to taste – Enhances overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning – Infuses bold, Mexican-inspired spices.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Deepens the savory taste.
- 1 cup long grain white rice – Absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- 1 ½ cups beef broth – Keeps the rice tender and flavorful.
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained – Adds a hint of sweetness and texture.
- 8 ounces tomato sauce – Brings a rich, tangy depth to the dish.
- ½ cup salsa – Adds spice and fresh tomato flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheese – Melts into a gooey, irresistible topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef & Onion
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir frequently, breaking up the beef, and cook until no longer pink.
- Drain excess grease, if needed.
Step 2: Add the Spices & Rice
- Return the pan to the stove and sprinkle in garlic powder and taco seasoning.
- Stir to evenly coat the beef with seasoning.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
- Stir in the rice, beef broth, corn, tomato sauce, and salsa.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer Until Rice is Tender
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- Stir occasionally and check that the rice is tender.
Step 5: Add Cheese & Melt
- Once the rice is fully cooked, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove from heat and serve hot.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocado for an extra burst of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Wonder – Minimal dishes, maximum flavor! Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes. Customizable – Swap out ingredients to suit your taste. Family-Friendly – A guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike. Great for Meal Prep – Tastes just as good the next day!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Mexican Rice Casserole
Use freshly grated cheese – It melts better than pre-shredded cheese. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving – This helps the flavors meld together. For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Swap the protein – Try ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian version. Make it creamy – Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole with:
- Tortilla chips for scooping
- A side of guacamole or fresh salsa
- A crisp green salad
- Warm flour tortillas for an easy burrito-style meal
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is everything you want in a meal—quick, easy, packed with flavor, and made in just one pan. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.
Try it today and enjoy a hearty, homemade meal with minimal effort!
