🌮 One-Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
One-pot Mexican rice casserole is a quick, hearty, and flavorful dish with rice, vegetables, beans, and cheese all cooked together in one pan. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep and can be customized with proteins like chicken, beef, or sausage.
🥄 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat.
Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
2️⃣ Add rice & seasonings:
Stir in rice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes to toast the rice lightly.
3️⃣ Add liquids & beans:
Pour in broth, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle boil.
4️⃣ Simmer:
Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 18–20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
5️⃣ Add cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let melt 2–3 minutes.
6️⃣ Serve:
Top with avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime if desired.
🌟 Tips for Perfect Mexican Rice Casserole
- Even cooking: Use a tight-fitting lid to trap steam.
- Protein addition: Add cooked chicken, ground beef, or sausage when stirring in beans.
- Veggie variations: Zucchini, spinach, or diced tomatoes with green chilies work well.
- Spicy kick: Add jalapeño or hot sauce to taste.
I can also provide:
- 🌶️ Spicy Mexican rice casserole with chorizo
- 🧄 Cheesy chicken Mexican rice bake
- 🥦 Vegetarian Mexican rice casserole
- 🥘 Slow-cooker Mexican rice casserole
Do you want the cheesy chicken version?
