Introduction
One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines all the savory ingredients of a traditional Mexican meal into a single casserole.
With layers of rice, seasoned meat, vegetables, and melted cheese, this dish is a hearty, satisfying meal that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table. Perfect for busy nights, gatherings, or meal prep, this casserole requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum taste.
It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s sure to be a hit with everyone, from the youngest to the oldest.
Origin
While the exact origins of the One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole are hard to pinpoint, it draws from the rich culinary traditions of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.
Mexican rice (or “arroz rojo”) is a staple in many Mexican homes, typically served alongside beans, meat, and tortillas.
The casserole version likely originated in the United States, where American home cooks began adapting traditional Mexican ingredients into casserole-style dishes for convenience and to serve larger groups.
The one-pot approach to this recipe was popularized by its ease of preparation and the minimal mess it leaves behind, making it a favorite for busy families.
Cultural Significance
Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, garlic, chiles, and cilantro.
The concept of casseroles, on the other hand, is more associated with American comfort food, where a variety of ingredients are layered in a single pan and baked together.
The One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole bridges these two culinary traditions, offering a fusion of flavors that captures the spirit of Mexican cuisine while embracing the convenience of casserole cooking.
It’s often served at family gatherings, potlucks, or as a comforting weeknight meal, making it an accessible and versatile dish for any occasion.
Ingredients and Quantities
Here is a basic list of ingredients for One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole:
For the casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup of long-grain white rice
- 1 can (4 oz) of diced green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Optional Additions:
- 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1-2 jalapeños, diced (for extra heat)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Avocado slices (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Tortilla chips (for crunch)
Tips for Success
- Sauté the Meat and Vegetables: Be sure to brown the ground meat and sauté the vegetables (onion, bell pepper) to release their flavors before adding them to the casserole. This step builds depth of flavor.
- Use the Right Rice: Long-grain white rice works best in this dish as it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the broth and spices.
- Don’t Skip the Broth: The broth adds moisture and infuses the rice with flavor, so don’t use water as a substitute.
- Check the Rice: Depending on your oven, the rice may need more or less time to cook. Make sure the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid before you add cheese.
- Use a Lid or Foil: Cover the casserole while it’s baking to keep the rice moist and to help it cook more evenly. Remove the cover during the last 5 minutes of baking to melt the cheese.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to adjust the toppings according to your taste—guacamole, salsa, and sour cream are all excellent additions to finish off the dish.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or other protein) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the Rice and Spices: Stir in the rice, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast and absorb the spices.
- Add the Liquids and Beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the diced green chilies, black beans, and broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the cover and sprinkle the shredded cheeses evenly over the casserole. Return it to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, and lime wedges.
Description
One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground meat, seasoned rice, beans, and vegetables into one satisfying meal. The spices—such as cumin, chili powder, and paprika—infuse the rice and meat with a warm, comforting heat.
Topped with melted cheese, this casserole has layers of flavor and texture, from the creamy, cheesy topping to the tender rice and vegetables.
It’s versatile and can be easily customized with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients like corn or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1/6 of the casserole, without optional toppings):
- Calories: 410
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 22g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on specific ingredients used, such as leaner meats, cheese choices, and added toppings.
Conclusion
One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is the perfect solution for a quick, easy, and flavorful meal. It’s a versatile dish that combines the best of Mexican flavors with the simplicity of a one-pan casserole.
This recipe is perfect for busy families, casual get-togethers, or meal prepping, as it can be made in advance and reheated.
The savory ground meat, tender rice, beans, and melty cheese create a comforting, filling meal that everyone will love.
Recommendation
For a simple yet delicious dinner, One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is highly recommended.
It’s a meal that can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary preferences, whether you prefer to make it vegetarian or add a spicy kick with jalapeños.
This dish is a great choice for family dinners, potlucks, or even as a satisfying lunch. Its ease of preparation and robust flavor make it a go-to option for busy days when you still want a flavorful and hearty meal.
Embrace the comfort of this healthful indulgence by adding your favorite toppings and enjoying a meal that brings joy to the table.