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Mexican Rice Casserole

Mexican Rice Casserole

This Mexican Rice Casserole is the ultimate one-pot meal—packed with bold spices, creamy cheese, hearty beef, and fluffy rice. It's simple to make, full of comforting flavors, and perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 715
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 1 1/4 cups uncooked long grain white rice
  • 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Vegetables & Add-ins
  • 14 oz can corn kernels, drained
  • 14 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup green onions, finely sliced or shallots
  • 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
Mexican Spice Blend
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1.5 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 3 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 3 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 3 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until translucent.
  2. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sprinkle in the spice blend. Stir well and let cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  4. Add diced bell pepper and sauté for another minute. Stir in the tomato paste until evenly coated.
  5. Pour in chicken broth. Add rice, corn, and black beans. Stir until fully combined.
  6. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
  7. Uncover and stir in green onions and half the cheese. Smooth the top and sprinkle remaining cheese evenly.
  8. Cover for another 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted. Let rest before serving.

Notes

Adjust cayenne for spice preference. Swap beef with turkey or a plant-based protein. Use long grain rice to prevent mushiness. Try pepper jack for extra kick or mozzarella for more stretch. Make vegetarian by omitting meat and adding mushrooms or extra beans.