Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

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This Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup — perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender rice, sweet corn, and melted cheese all come together in one skillet for a mouthwatering weeknight dinner. With vibrant colors, bold flavors, and hearty texture, this dish brings the taste of a fiesta straight to your table with minimal cleanup.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping a quick meal after a long day, this one pot wonder is satisfying, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. It’s also perfect for meal prepping or potluck gatherings. From its zesty spices to the creamy cheese topping and fresh diced tomatoes, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will ask for again.

Why You’ll Love This Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

• Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze.
• Loaded with bold Mexican-inspired flavors and wholesome ingredients.
• Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
• A complete meal on its own: protein, veggies, grains, and cheese.
• Kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this casserole smooth and stress-free, gather your tools before starting:

• Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: This is essential for browning the beef and simmering everything evenly. A deep skillet helps keep all ingredients contained.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up the ground beef and stirring ingredients without scratching your pan.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: To keep flavor balanced and consistent.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For dicing fresh tomatoes or optional toppings like onions and cilantro.
• Grater (if using block cheese): Freshly grated cheese melts better and more evenly than pre-shredded.

Having the right tools not only saves time but ensures each step of cooking is precise and hassle-free.

Preparation Tips

Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the pan, and always drain any fat before adding the rest of the ingredients. Opt for long-grain white rice or instant rice for the best texture and cooking time match. When adding the liquid (usually a mix of broth and salsa or tomato sauce), make sure it’s hot or warm — this helps the rice cook evenly. Stir occasionally while simmering to avoid sticking. And for that gooey, cheesy finish, add the shredded cheese only at the end, allowing it to melt into the dish just before serving. Feel free to personalize the dish by mixing in black beans, bell peppers, or jalapeños for a spicier kick.

Ingredients for this Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or instant rice for quicker cooking)
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce or 1 cup salsa
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped tomatoes, fresh cilantro, green onions, sour cream, avocado

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Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

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Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Rice, Corn, and Liquid

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce or salsa, beef broth, rice, and corn. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.

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Step 4: Simmer and Cook

Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes (or 10 minutes if using instant rice), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The rice should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.

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Step 5: Add Cheese and Let It Melt

Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped tomatoes, cilantro, or your favorite toppings. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a comforting, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor.

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Notes

This Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is incredibly flexible — you can easily swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein. If you’re looking to add more vegetables, diced bell peppers, zucchini, or black beans work beautifully in this dish. To keep the rice from getting mushy, ensure your liquid ratios are accurate and your skillet is covered during simmering. For a more intense flavor, try using fire-roasted tomatoes or chipotle salsa.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using too much liquid: This can make the dish soggy. Stick to the recommended amounts and adjust only slightly based on your rice type.
• Overcooking the rice: If not checked regularly, rice can overcook and turn mushy. Stir occasionally and remove from heat once the liquid is absorbed.
• Not draining excess grease: Leaving too much fat from the beef can make the dish overly oily.
• Adding cheese too early: This can lead to burnt or rubbery cheese. Always add it at the end for best texture.
• Undercooking onions and garlic: These provide the base flavor, so take time to soften them properly.

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Storage Instructions

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave, or reheat the whole skillet on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth to keep it moist. This dish also freezes well—place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Cholesterol: 65mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and cooks evenly. Instant rice works too for quicker meals.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach make great additions.

How spicy is this casserole?

It’s mildly spiced. Adjust the heat by using hot salsa or adding jalapeños.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but it requires more liquid and longer cooking time. Add 1/2 cup extra broth and simmer 10–15 minutes longer.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can prep all ingredients ahead. Store in the fridge and cook when ready.

Does this freeze well?

Very well! Cool completely, store in freezer containers, and freeze up to 2 months.

What toppings go best with it?

Try sour cream, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.

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Conclusion

Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is your new go-to for a quick, satisfying, and flavorful dinner. With minimal ingredients and a single skillet, it delivers a bold, cheesy, and hearty meal in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this is the kind of comfort food that never fails to impress — and never leaves behind a sink full of dishes.

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