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One-Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

A comforting and cheesy one-pot dish, ready in just 30 minutes, featuring ground beef, rice, and a mix of spices, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef Preferably lean
  • 1 small onion, diced Can substitute with pre-chopped frozen onions
  • 1 packet taco seasoning Or 2 tbsp homemade; use a mix with cumin and chili powder
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice Rinsed for less starch
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies Adds flavor and spice
  • 1 cup corn Frozen or canned, frozen corn adds sweetness
  • 2 cups beef broth Low-sodium recommended
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack recommended
Optional Garnishes
  • cilantro For garnish
  • sour cream For serving
  • jalapeños For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the ground beef and diced onion, and cook until the meat browns and the onion softens. Drain any extra grease.
  2. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir until the spices coat the beef.
  3. Add the rinsed rice, Rotel tomatoes (with their juices), corn, beef broth, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together.
Cooking
  1. Turn the heat up until the pot comes to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  2. Remove the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly across the top.
  3. Cover again for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
  4. Top with cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Use pre-chopped frozen onions or mixed peppers for a quicker prep. For soggy rice, spread it on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes to dry. Swap ground beef for turkey or add chipotle in adobo for a twist.