Get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again with this One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s a vibrant, comforting dish bursting with flavors that celebrate the best of Mexican-inspired cooking. Imagine juicy ground beef mingling with tender rice, sweet corn, and black beans, all brought together by a blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika, then topped with melty cheese that adds the perfect golden finish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, this casserole promises minimal fuss with maximum flavor. You’re going to love how this one-pan wonder turns simple ingredients into a satisfying feast that feels like a warm hug on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic of this One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe starts with straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one is essential not just for flavor but to create a perfect balance of texture, color, and heartiness that will impress everyone at your table.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the meat beautifully and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey: Your choice of protein that makes this casserole hearty and filling.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a tender bite to complement the spices.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a punch of aroma and depth that wakes up the whole dish.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked: The hearty base that absorbs all those wonderful flavors perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Keeps the rice moist and adds savory notes without overwhelming.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies: Brings acidity, juiciness, and a gentle kick to the casserole.
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess and protein with a rich texture.
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels: Sweet bursts of sunshine that brighten every bite.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and helps thicken the mixture.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Gives the characteristic warm, smoky spice of Mexican cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth that complements the meat and beans.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness and lovely color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor, balancing the dish perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and sharpness.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese: A melty, gooey topping that finishes this casserole to perfection.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): A fresh herbal garnish that adds a bright, lively touch.
How to Make One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Soften the Onion
Start by heating olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef or turkey. Break it up as it cooks, letting it brown evenly to build rich, meaty flavor. Once browned, remove any excess fat if needed, then toss in the finely chopped onion. The onion softens over about three minutes, releasing sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Rice
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook just until it’s fragrant—this only takes about 30 seconds but it’s the secret layer of flavor that makes this recipe sing. Then add your uncooked rice right to the pan, stirring it around so that the grains get coated in those wonderful savory bits, setting the stage for absorbing all those delicious liquids.
Step 3: Mix in Broth, Tomatoes, and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the diced tomatoes that come with their juices. Add the black beans and corn for that lovely contrast of textures, then stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until it’s well combined and looks like a canvas of vibrant colors and inviting aromas.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer right on the stovetop, then cover your skillet tightly with a lid or foil to trap the steam. Transfer it carefully to a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. During this time, the rice will soak up all the flavorful liquid until it’s perfectly tender.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
When the rice is ready, pull the skillet out of the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly across the top. Return it to the oven uncovered for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer that’s impossible to resist. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so all the flavors settle and the casserole firms up beautifully.
How to Serve One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top adds a bright herbaceous note that cuts through the richness and makes each bite pop. If you like a creamy contrast, dollops of sour cream or slices of ripe avocado work wonderfully here, giving coolness to balance the chile spices.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands strong on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a light cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lime juice for a refreshing counterpoint. For something heartier, warm tortillas or a side of refried beans round out your Mexican feast perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch at dinner parties. You could also layer it in a clear baking dish to show off all those colorful layers, stirring it up family-style so everyone gets a bit of everything on their plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make this casserole ahead of time, it freezes well. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it needs loosening up. Cover while reheating to keep it moist and maintain that melty cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground meat and increase the beans or add diced vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a satisfying vegetarian version.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is ideal here because it stays fluffy and cooks evenly in the casserole. Avoid quick-cooking or minute rice as it may become mushy.
Can I use a different protein?
Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure the protein is fully cooked.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild warmth thanks to chili powder and paprika, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper or jalapeños if you love things spicy.
Can I prepare this without an oven-safe pan?
Yes, you can cook the entire skillet portion on the stove, then transfer to a separate baking dish for the oven step. Just make sure your skillet can handle the heat if going directly to the oven for convenience.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like comfort food while packing incredible flavor and exactly the right amount of fuss-free cooking. Give it a try, and you might just find this becomes your new weeknight favorite for feeding family and friends with love and a little bit of fiesta magic.
Print
One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole is a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner that combines seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, corn, and a blend of spices baked together and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a hearty family meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
Oils, Seasonings & Extras
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it will be ready for baking the casserole.
- Brown the meat: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, cooking until browned and breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté aromatics: Add finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the rice and liquids: Stir in the uncooked rice, chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, black beans, corn, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
- Season the mixture: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir thoroughly so the spices are evenly distributed.
- Simmer and bake: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil, then transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes until rice is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
- Melt the cheese: Remove the skillet from the oven and evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Serve with sour cream, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime for added flavor.
- This casserole works well with either ground beef or ground turkey depending on your preference.
- Use oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the mixture to a separate baking dish.
