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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then reintroduce meat mixture to the pan.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and taco seasoning across the beef, thoroughly mixing to distribute flavors evenly.
- Pour rice, beef broth, corn, tomato sauce, and salsa into the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients uniformly.
- Increase heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low.
- Cover the skillet and allow the contents to simmer for 18-20 minutes, ensuring rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender.
- Once rice reaches desired consistency, distribute shredded cheese across the top of the casserole.
- Replace lid and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes without disturbing the dish.
- Remove from heat and allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavor integration and texture.
- 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