Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

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When dinner needs to happen fast, flavorful, and with minimal cleanup, this Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole has your back. It’s cozy, spicy, cheesy, and bursting with bold flavor in every spoonful. Whether it’s a weeknight or a lazy weekend, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal without the mess.

Picture this: tender ground beef simmered with rice, fire-roasted tomatoes, and taco spices, then blanketed in melted cheese and topped with your favorite garnishes. It’s the kind of dinner you want to scoop straight from the pot and onto your plate, ideally with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Why You’ll Love This Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

You get everything you want from a taco night in one comforting skillet. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for using pantry staples. The whole thing cooks in just one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash later. Plus, it’s a family favorite that even picky eaters enjoy. It’s hearty, cheesy, and ready in under 40 minutes.

What Kind of Rice Works Best for This Casserole?

Long-grain white rice is your go-to for this dish. It cooks up fluffy and doesn’t get sticky, which makes it ideal for soaking up all the spicy tomato and beef goodness. If you’re using brown rice, keep in mind that it will need a longer cook time and extra liquid. Quick-cooking or parboiled rice can be used in a pinch, but adjust the liquid to avoid mushiness.

Ingredients for the Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

This casserole is built on simple pantry ingredients, yet it transforms into something magical. Each component plays a key role in the flavor and texture of the dish.

• Ground beef
• Long-grain white rice
• Onion
• Garlic
• Bell pepper
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• Beef broth
• Taco seasoning
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

How To Make the Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Once fully cooked, remove excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in Rice and Seasonings

Pour in the rice and taco seasoning. Stir everything together so the rice gets coated with the spices and beef flavor.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Add the diced tomatoes with chilies and beef broth. Stir well, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Melt

Remove the lid, stir the casserole gently, then sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover again for a few minutes until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or avocado if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store This Mexican Rice Casserole

This recipe feeds about 4 to 6 people, making it perfect for families or meal prep. Serve it hot straight from the pot for a hearty dinner, or use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or stuffed peppers.

For storage, let the casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it until hot. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole?

Cornbread with Honey Butter

A slightly sweet and buttery slice of cornbread is the perfect contrast to the spicy casserole.

Fresh Guacamole

Creamy avocado with lime and salt brings a cooling element and bright flavor.

Simple Green Salad

Crisp greens with a lime vinaigrette offer a refreshing balance to this rich dish.

Tortilla Chips and Salsa

Classic and crunchy, they make a fun side or topping.

Refried Beans

Another Tex-Mex staple, they add creaminess and protein to the meal.

Mexican Street Corn

Grilled corn topped with mayo, lime, and cotija cheese is a bold and zesty pairing.

Pickled Jalapeños or Red Onions

Add zing and tang to each bite.

Horchata or Agua Fresca

Pair your casserole with a chilled Mexican drink for a full experience.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you loved this Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole, you’ll definitely want to check out these other comforting meals from Luna Meals:

• Smothered Chicken and Rice
• Low Carb Chicken Casserole
• Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake
• Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

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Tried this for dinner? Let me know how it turned out. Did you go spicy with jalapeños, or keep it classic with sour cream and cheese? Your feedback makes our meals better.

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Conclusion

Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a weeknight dinner dream. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for yourself, this recipe makes it deliciously easy to get dinner on the table fast.

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