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
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
