One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

There is something truly comforting and satisfying about a warm, hearty casserole that comes together in a single pan, especially when it bursts with the vibrant flavors of Mexico. The One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that effortlessly blends rich, savory ground beef with fluffy long-grain rice, sweet corn, and zesty spices, all topped off with melted cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that brings both convenience and a fiesta of taste straight to your table in under 40 minutes, making you feel like a culinary rockstar every time you cook it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simplicity and the wonderfully fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays a key role, whether it’s adding creaminess, heat, or a pop of color that makes the dish irresistible.

• 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that brings rich, savory flavor and satisfying protein.
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked): Absorbs the spices and juices perfectly for a fluffy, tender bite.
• 1 small onion, diced: Adds a sweet and pungent depth to the savory profile.
• 1 red bell pepper, diced: Brings vibrant color and a gentle sweetness to balance spices.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Offers protein, fiber, and a lovely earthiness.
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds juiciness and a subtle tang with a touch of acidity.
• 1 cup frozen corn: Sweet kernels that create a delightful textural contrast.
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce: Provides a rich tomato base that binds everything together.
• 2 teaspoons chili powder: The key spice that delivers warmth and authentic Mexican flavor.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: Earthy and slightly smoky, deepening the flavor complexity.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds mild heat and a beautiful red hue.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and brightness.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The melty, gooey topping that brings it all together.
• Chopped cilantro and lime wedges (optional): Fresh garnishes that lift the dish with brightness and zesty contrast.

How to Make One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté Vegetables

Start by heating a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up as it cooks to ensure even texture. Drain any excess grease if needed for a cleaner, less oily dish. Then add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until everything softens and smells absolutely inviting. These aromatics lay the perfect flavor foundation.

Step 2: Combine Rice, Beans, and Tomatoes

Next, stir in the uncooked rice right into the skillet, letting it coat in the juices for a minute before tossing in the black beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, and frozen corn. These ingredients bring texture, color, and plenty of hearty good vibes to the skillet, making your dish feel vibrant and nourishing.

Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Spice It Up

Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper directly into the pan. Stir everything well to combine so the spices infuse into every grain of rice and morsel of meat. This step is where the classic Mexican flavors really start to shine through.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook Until Tender

Pour in 1 1/2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it cook for 18 to 20 minutes. During this time, the rice absorbs all that savory liquid and spices, swelling into a tender, flavorful bed for the rest of the dish. Keep an eye to make sure it doesn’t stick, but resist the urge to lift the lid too soon!

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Once the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed, remove the lid and give everything a gentle stir. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover again, and let it sit for another 2 to 3 minutes off the heat while the cheese melts into luscious, gooey goodness that ties it all together beautifully.

How to Serve One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime wedges right before serving brightens the entire dish wonderfully. The cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness, while the lime wedges introduce a zesty citrus note that perfectly balances the savory, cheesy richness. These garnishes not only enhance flavors but make the presentation look extra inviting.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a wholesome meal on its own, but it pairs exceptionally well with simple sides like a crisp green salad, warm tortillas, or creamy guacamole. Each of these sides brings its own texture and flavor contrast, while keeping dinner light and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy or feeding a crowd? Serve the One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or scoop it into vibrant bowls topped with dollops of sour cream, sliced avocado, or even a sprinkle of diced jalapeños for added heat. No matter how you plate it, this dish promises smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, making your next meal just as delightful. When storing, avoid leaving the cheese topping on if you plan to reheat, as fresh melting yields the best texture.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covering loosely to steam the rice evenly. If you removed the cheese before storing, add fresh shredded cheddar and cover briefly to melt just before serving.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully well in this recipe as a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. Just cook it the same way as the beef to keep the dish balanced and delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it contains no wheat ingredients. Just be sure any broth or canned goods you use are certified gluten-free if you want to be completely certain.

Can I add more spice to the casserole?

For a spicier kick, try adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the chili powder. You can also top the finished dish with hot sauce or pickled jalapeños to tailor the heat to your liking.

What’s the best way to make the rice fluffy and not mushy?

Using long-grain white rice and following the water ratio precisely ensures it cooks up fluffy. Avoid stirring too much while it simmers, and let it rest covered after cooking to absorb any remaining liquid without turning mushy.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the ground beef and add extra beans, veggies like zucchini or mushrooms, and perhaps a meat alternative if you like. Adjust seasoning and cooking time accordingly to keep it flavorful and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that comes together with minimal fuss, the One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful balance of comforting textures and bold, heartwarming flavors that will make this dish a regular in your cooking rotation. So grab your skillet and get ready to impress yourself and anyone you serve with this truly delightful meal.

One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 61 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole featuring ground beef, rice, black beans, and a blend of spices all cooked together in a skillet. This easy weeknight dinner is topped with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a delicious and satisfying meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains and Legumes

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Canned Goods and Sauces

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

Spices and Seasonings

• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Dairy and Garnishes

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Lime wedges for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Add Rice and Beans: Stir in the uncooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, frozen corn, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pan, mixing everything well.
4. Simmer: Pour in 1 1/2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to low and cover the pan with a lid.
5. Cook the Rice: Let the casserole cook covered for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid too often to ensure proper cooking.
6. Finish with Cheese: Remove the lid and stir the casserole gently. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt for 2–3 minutes.
7. Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges if desired, then serve the casserole hot.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner option.
• Add diced jalapeños for extra spice and heat.
• Top with sour cream and avocado slices before serving for extra creaminess and flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican