Description
This One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish combining ground beef, rice, beans, and vegetables all cooked together in a single skillet. Enhanced with classic Mexican spices and topped with melted cheddar cheese, it’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Grains and Legumes
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Canned and Frozen Goods
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic into the pan. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in the uncooked white rice, drained black beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, and corn kernels. Then add the beef broth along with chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the skillet mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Remove the lid and evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts. For a browned top, optionally place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Serve hot, enjoying a flavorful one-pan meal full of Mexican-inspired goodness.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
- Use brown rice if preferred, but increase cooking time and liquid slightly to ensure rice cooks through.
- For added heat, include a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing vegetables.
