Zesty One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a delightful one-pan mexican rice casserole promises a culinary adventure that simplifies dinner prep.

Comfort meets convenience in this zesty dish packed with vibrant flavors.

Busy home cooks adore meals that minimize cleanup while maximizing taste.

Spices dance across tender rice, creating a hearty meal everyone will love.

Layers of seasoned ingredients meld together, producing a satisfying dinner solution.

Each forkful brings a burst of southwestern-inspired goodness that feels both familiar and exciting.

Grab your skillet and let’s turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast that will have you coming back for seconds.

FAQs About One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe. Simply follow the same cooking steps and seasoning.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on the salsa and taco seasoning you choose. For a milder version, select a mild salsa and reduced-sodium taco seasoning.

• Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?

No rinsing is necessary for this one-pan recipe. The liquid and seasoning will cook the rice directly in the pan, creating a flavorful base.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and reheat it in the microwave or oven. Just add a splash of broth to maintain moisture when reheating.

Why One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Is A Simple Dinner

• Conquer Weeknight Dinners: Tackle busy evenings with this super-quick one-pan wonder that combines protein, grains, and veggies in a single skillet.
• Minimize Kitchen Cleanup: Zero extra dishes mean more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans after cooking.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients or add toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocados to match your family's taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Mexican Flavors: Deliver a zesty, satisfying meal that brings the excitement of Mexican-inspired cuisine right to your dinner table without complicated techniques.

Ingredients For One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich protein for the casserole.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness to the meat mixture.

• Rice: The primary starch that absorbs the delicious Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Beef Broth: Creates moisture and enhances the overall savory taste of the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Taco Seasoning: Bring bold and authentic Mexican-style spices to the casserole.
• Salsa, Tomato Sauce: Provide tangy and zesty undertones that complement the beef.
• Corn: Adds a sweet and juicy element to the casserole.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a creamy, rich finish to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and heighten the overall flavor profile.

How To Make One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef and Onions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high flame. Toss in ground beef and diced onions. Season with salt and pepper. Cook and break up the meat until it turns completely brown and onions become translucent. Drain any excess fat if the meat looks too greasy.

Step 2: Spice Up the Meat

Sprinkle garlic powder and zesty taco seasoning over the cooked beef. Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly across the meat mixture.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Base

• Uncooked rice
• Beef broth
• Corn kernels
• Tomato sauce
• Salsa

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer quietly for 18-20 minutes until rice becomes tender and absorbs all the liquid.

Step 4: Melt Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top of the casserole. Cover the skillet and let the residual heat melt the cheese for 2-3 minutes until it becomes gooey and inviting.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Scoop the delicious casserole onto plates. Enjoy the robust Mexican-inspired flavors packed into this super easy one-pan meal.

Tips For Success With One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian version that's equally delicious and packed with protein.
• Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot salsa, and adding extra taco seasoning for a bolder flavor profile.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and reduce overall kitchen time, making this a perfect weeknight meal.
• Top with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or sour cream for added texture and freshness.
• Use long-grain white rice for best results, but brown rice can work with slightly extended cooking time and additional liquid.

Different Takes On One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Fiesta: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles, maintaining the same spicy Mexican-inspired seasoning profile.
• Chicken Swap: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breast for a lighter protein option.
• Spicy Pepper Punch: Add diced jalapeños or green chiles during cooking to increase heat and create a more intense flavor experience.
• Quinoa Power Bowl: Swap rice with quinoa for a protein-packed alternative that keeps the same cooking method and Mexican-style seasonings.

Pairing Suggestions For One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole

• Elevate Mexican Rice Casserole Pairings
• Craft Zesty Margarita Cocktail: Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and triple sec to complement the spicy, bold flavors of the casserole with a tangy, refreshing drink.
• Select Crisp Mexican Lager: Pair with a light, cold beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to balance the rich, hearty meat and cheese, cutting through the casserole's warmth.
• Prepare Fresh Cilantro Lime Salad: Toss mixed greens with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a light vinaigrette to add a bright, citrusy contrast to the dense, savory casserole.

Storage Guidelines For One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dishes with fresh toppings.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.

One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30-33 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty one-pan mexican rice casserole brings comfort and zest to weeknight dinners, blending bold southwestern flavors with simple, satisfying ingredients. Cheesy, spicy layers promise a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Grains, Vegetables, and Dairy:

• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth

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Instructions

1. In a spacious skillet, sear ground beef and onions over medium-high heat until meat browns completely and onions become translucent, approximately 6-7 minutes.
2. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then reintroduce meat mixture to the pan.
3. Sprinkle garlic powder and taco seasoning across the beef, thoroughly mixing to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Pour rice, beef broth, corn, tomato sauce, and salsa into the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients uniformly.
5. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low.
6. Cover the skillet and allow the contents to simmer for 18-20 minutes, ensuring rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender.
7. Once rice reaches desired consistency, distribute shredded cheese across the top of the casserole.
8. Replace lid and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes without disturbing the dish.
9. Remove from heat and allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavor integration and texture.
10. Garnish with optional fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for added freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or adding hot sauce for heat-seeking food lovers.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for leaner or vegetarian options.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty flavor profile.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or sour cream to enhance presentation and taste complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-23 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg