If you’re craving a delicious, family-friendly meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying, you’ll love the One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole. It brings together hearty protein, vibrant veggies, bold spices, and melty cheese in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. With layers of flavor and a Tex-Mex twist, this is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again, perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or truly whenever you want something comforting and crowd-pleasing.

One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients, each playing a role in building big flavor, beautiful color, and a homey texture. Gather these basics and you’ll have a seriously tasty One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole on the table in no time!

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything brown up perfectly.
Ground beef or turkey: The heart of the casserole, providing savory, hearty protein. Choose whichever you prefer!
Yellow onion: Diced for a mild sweetness that builds flavor from the very start.
Green bell pepper: Brings a pop of color and classic Mexican-American flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that irresistible aromatic kick.
Long-grain white rice: Uncooked rice absorbs all the wonderful flavors as it simmers.
Diced tomatoes with green chiles: These canned tomatoes add tang and subtle heat.
Tomato sauce: Makes the casserole saucy and brings the casserole together.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Infuses moisture and flavor while controlling the salt level.
Chili powder: Gives a deep, gentle spice that hints at taco night.
Ground cumin: Adds an earthy, warm undertone.
Smoked paprika: Lends subtle smokiness and a gorgeous color.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
Black pepper: A touch of pepper for mild heat and balance.
Frozen corn: Sweet pops of color and texture; no need to thaw first.
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy topping.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped for garnish, adding freshness and a burst of color at the end.

How to Make One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Basics

Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef (or turkey), diced onion, and bell pepper. Cook everything together for 6 to 7 minutes, breaking up the meat and stirring now and then, until the meat is browned and the veggies are softened. If there’s extra fat, go ahead and drain it off—you want just enough left for flavor. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, until wonderfully fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Pour in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. The mixture should look soupy—don’t worry! That liquid is key to cooking the rice and melding all those flavors together.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the casserole mixture up to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the dish simmer away for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If the rice needs a little more time, just add a splash of broth and keep simmering.

Step 4: Finish with Corn & Cheese

Now comes the fun part: Stir in the frozen corn straight from the bag—it’ll warm up in the hot casserole. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over everything, then pop the lid back on. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey throughout.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat and shower the top with fresh chopped cilantro. Scoop generous portions onto plates or into bowls and enjoy every single bite of your homemade One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole!

How to Serve One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole

Garnishes

There’s something magical about the right garnish! A fresh sprinkle of cilantro adds just the right burst of color and freshness, but why stop there? Try thinly sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for more kick. A squeeze of lime right before serving can completely wake up the whole dish.

Side Dishes

The One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole is a meal in itself, but pairing it with extras takes it to the next level. Warm corn or flour tortillas let you scoop it up taco-style. For even more veggies, serve with a crisp green salad or simple sautéed zucchini. Refried beans or guacamole make fun, flavor-packed sides as well.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or just feeling playful, try turning your One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole into taco or burrito fillings. Spoon it into halved bell peppers and bake for an easy stuffed pepper night. Or serve it in shallow bowls with a variety of toppings and let everyone build their own dream bowl—it’s dinner and a fun activity in one!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about this recipe is how wonderfully it keeps! Scoop any leftovers into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, making your next lunch or dinner even better.

Freezing

Want to meal prep? Absolutely! Once fully cooled, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. For best texture, hold off on adding the fresh cilantro garnish until after thawing and reheating.

Reheating

This dish reheats like a dream. If you’re using the microwave, sprinkle a spoonful of water over your serving and cover loosely, then heat until hot. On the stovetop, warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to bring back its original saucy texture. Top with a little extra cheese if you want to refresh that melty goodness!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can absolutely swap in brown rice! Keep in mind that it will require more simmering time and extra broth—about 10 to 15 minutes longer. Test the rice for doneness and add liquid as needed until it’s tender.

Is this recipe spicy?

As written, it’s mild and family-friendly, thanks to the green chiles and spices. If you want more heat, toss in diced jalapeños, use hot diced tomatoes, or add a pinch of cayenne to pump up the spice.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the ground meat with a plant-based protein like lentils, black beans, or your favorite meat alternative, and use vegetable broth. The result will be every bit as satisfying and flavorful.

What kind of cheese works best?

A shredded Mexican blend or cheddar melts best and gives that classic, creamy finish. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of cotija for a fun twist at the end.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double everything for a bigger crowd—just use a very large, deep skillet or Dutch oven. Increase the simmering time slightly and be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try the One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole—it’s a recipe that just keeps on giving, with bold flavors, comforting textures, and endlessly adaptable options. Whether you’re sharing with family or meal-prepping for a busy week, this cozy dish is bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite!

One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that combines savory ground beef, aromatic spices, and cheesy goodness in a single skillet. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this flavorful dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1 small yellow onion (diced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)

Seasonings and Liquids:

1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup frozen corn
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Meat and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper until browned. Add garlic and sauté.
Cook the Rice: Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and seasonings. Simmer covered until rice is tender.
Finish the Dish: Mix in corn, top with cheese, and cook until melted. Garnish with cilantro and serve.