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)

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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.