If you are craving a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner, look no further than this One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe. It combines juicy ground beef, tender rice, vibrant veggies, and melty cheese all cooked together in a single pan to create a hearty meal packed with rich southwestern flavors. The beauty of this dish is how simple ingredients come together so effortlessly, giving you a satisfying casserole that feels homey yet exciting with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential—they each add a unique layer of taste, color, and texture that make this casserole so irresistible. From the savory seasoned meat to the bright green bell pepper and creamy melted cheese, every component plays an important role.
- Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for browning the meat and softening the vegetables without overpowering the other flavors.
- Ground beef or ground turkey: Delivers hearty protein and a rich savory flavor that forms the dish’s backbone.
- Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aroma that balances the spices beautifully.
- Green bell pepper: Introduces a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses a punch of earthy, fragrant flavor.
- Long-grain white rice: Acts as the comforting base, soaking up all the juices and spices perfectly.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Bring moisture along with a mild kick that makes every bite exciting.
- Tomato sauce: Adds depth and a luscious texture to bind everything together.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the casserole moist and infuses gentle umami flavor while controlling the saltiness.
- Chili powder: Provides a warm, smoky spice that defines the dish’s Mexican flair.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and complexity to the seasoning profile.
- Smoked paprika: Elevates the flavor with subtle smoky undertones.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhance and balance the taste of all ingredients.
- Frozen corn: Offers bursts of sweetness and delightful texture contrast.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Creates a gooey, golden layer that ties the casserole together.
- Fresh cilantro: Sprinkled on top for a bright, herbaceous finish that awakens the palate.
How to Make One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey), diced yellow onion, and green bell pepper to the pan. Cook this mixture for about 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned and the vegetables have softened nicely. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute — this will really boost the flavor foundation.
Step 2: Add Rice, Tomatoes, and Spices
Next, it’s time to bring the casserole together. Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice along with the canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper on top. Mix everything well to combine, then turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer Until Rice is Tender
Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Let it cook undisturbed for about 20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking. By the end of this time, the rice should be tender and nearly all the liquid absorbed. This step is where the magic happens—flavors intensify and the rice soaks up all those bold ingredients.
Step 4: Add Corn and Melt Cheese
After the rice is cooked, stir in the frozen corn that adds sweet pops of flavor and texture. Then evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese over the surface. Cover the skillet once more and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts into a glorious, gooey topping.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, vibrant burst of color and flavor. Your One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed warm—comfort food doesn’t get much easier or tastier!
How to Serve One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the chopped fresh cilantro is a classic and lovely garnish for this casserole, don’t hesitate to add dollops of sour cream, slices of ripe avocado, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for even more brightness and creaminess. These toppings help create a perfectly balanced bite every time.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole can stand on its own as a complete meal, but if you want to round things out, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, warm tortillas for scooping, or a side of black beans to add extra protein and fiber. These sides complement the meaty, cheesy goodness without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish as a colorful buffet option where guests can build their own bowls with various toppings. Alternatively, scoop it into small ramekins for individual servings topped with a sprig of cilantro. For a festive occasion, add some pickled jalapeños or sliced radishes on the side for crunch and heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the next-day meal just as delicious, if not better.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, this casserole freezes well. Scoop cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to restore moisture. You can also microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to keep the rice tender and cheese melty.
FAQs
Can I make this One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground meat with plant-based crumbles, extra beans like black or pinto, or even diced mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. Adjust seasoning as you like to keep it flavorful.
What other meats can I use instead of ground beef?
This recipe works wonderfully with ground turkey, chicken, or spicy chorizo for a different twist. Each meat brings its own unique texture and flavor to the casserole.
Is it possible to use brown rice in this recipe?
Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid, so adjust accordingly. You may want to simmer for about 40-45 minutes instead of 20.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
This dish is best cooked fresh on the stovetop due to the rice component, but you can prep the meat and vegetables and store them separately to save time. Then combine and cook everything when ready to eat.
How spicy is this casserole?
The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the diced tomatoes with green chiles and chili powder. If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe is a true lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want something quick, tasty, and satisfying. Its colorful ingredients and bold flavors come together effortlessly, making every serving a delight. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll find it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your dinner rotation!
