One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole – In the life of a home chef. Discovering a recipe. That’s delicious and simple to prepare. Feels like stumbling upon a hidden gem. This One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole fits the bill perfectly. A delight. Featuring components such, as ground beef, white rice, and an array of Mexican-inspired spices. This dish ensures an explosion of flavors with every spoonful.
The initial occasion I whipped up this casserole was on a whim. The kitchen was filled with the inviting aroma of a Mexican eatery. Creating an atmosphere charged with excitement. As my husband and our little one sat down. To savor the meal. Silence enveloped the room. A sign of success. It wasn’t only the convenience of cooking everything in one pot. That elevated this recipe to family status. But also the harmonious fusion of basic ingredients. Resulting in something truly enchanting. Over time this dish has become synonymous with affection and solace within our household. Becoming our choice for weekdays or laid-back weekends.
What makes these One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole truly special?
What Makes This Recipe Special? The One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole transcends being another dish. It represents a symphony of tastes, textures, and simplicity. It offers cleanup without compromising on flavor quality. Embraced by both adults and children. It can be easily adjusted. To suit varying spice preferences. It’s great for those hectic nights when you only have 20 minutes to spare. If you’re a fan of rice dishes, you might also enjoy trying a Carolina Red Rice recipe for a different take on flavorful rice.
What You Need To Make This One-Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe?
Ground Beef: The attraction brings in that rich and satisfying taste. That makes this dish a beloved family classic. It’s like the friend who always adds excitement to any gathering.
Small Onion: A gem. Starting sharp but turns sweet. And welcoming once it gets acquainted with the pan. It sets the flavor base for everything to follow.
Salt & Pepper: The pair that enhances the flavors of all other ingredients. They’re the seasonings that no dish should be without.
Taco Seasoning & Garlic Powder: These spices liven up the casserole. Adding a burst of flavor and warmth. That tantalizes your taste buds.
White Rice: The one that surprises you. By absorbing all the flavors. And bringing everything together. Into a delightful comforting bite.
Beef Broth: This is what infuses the rice with its flavor. Transforming a simple grain into an irresistible delight.
Corn: Provides a crunch. That beautifully complements the components like little pockets of sunshine in every mouthful.
Tomato Sauce & Salsa: They introduce a zesty element. That elevates the dish. Making it more vibrant and flavorful.
Shredded Cheese: Shredded cheese is the touch. That covers the casserole in a melty layer of goodness. It’s akin to an embrace. That completes this comforting dish.
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Steps To Make One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole:
Step 1: Heat up your skillet over medium heat. And crumble the ground beef into it. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning. Cook until the meat turns brown. And loses its color. Stirring gently.
Step 2: Once the beef is perfectly browned. Sprinkle on the garlic powder and taco seasoning. Making sure every piece is coated with the spices.
Step 3: Next, add in the beef broth. Followed by the tomato sauce, a dollop of salsa, and then the rice. Stir in the corn with a hand. Mixing all the ingredients together.
Step 4: Cover the skillet with a lid. Let it come to a boil. Once boiling. Reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer. This is where the magic happens. After about 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will soak up all those flavors. Become tender.
Step 5: To finish off this dish. Sprinkle some cheese on top. Cover it again. Just until the cheese melts into a layer over your casserole. This should take around 2 to 3 minutes.
Tip:
Enhance Taste with a Cozy Touch: Before pouring in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and salsa into the pan. Take a moment to sauté the rice. Along with the ground beef and spices. Once you’ve added the taco seasoning and garlic powder. Mix in the rice. Let it cook for a few minutes. Until it turns slightly golden. And releases an aroma. This process enriches the flavor of the rice. And complexity to your casserole that truly sets it apart.
Toasting the rice not only absorbs the flavors from the pan. But also helps each grain retain some of its firmness. Resulting in a more satisfying texture in the end dish. It’s a technique that transforms your meal from good. To memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this vegetarian?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian. By swapping out the ground beef for a plant-based option. Or adding beans and veggies. Also using vegetable broth instead of beef broth will work perfectly.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Wondering if you can store it in the freezer? Absolutely! It freezes well. Just let it cool completely. Then transfer it to a container for freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it. Simply reheat for a quick meal.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Keep in mind that brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time. Make sure to adjust the amount of liquid and cooking time. The end result will be nuttier. Just as delicious as the original version.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 Small Onion Diced
- Salt & Pepper To taste
- 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 c White Rice
- 1 1/2 c Beef Broth
- 1 15 ounces can Corn Drained
- 8 ounces Tomato Sauce
- 1/2 c Salsa
- 1 c Shredded Cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef. Heating a skillet on medium heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper. And cook until it turns brown.
- Next season the cooked beef with garlic powder and taco seasoning. Stir well to mix everything
- Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, and salsa into the skillet. Add the rice. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Include the drained corn in the mixture. Stir everything thoroughly.
- Cover the skillet. Bring it to a boil. Then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for around 18 to 20 minutes. Until the rice is tender.
- Once the rice is cooked. Sprinkle cheese on top. Cover the skillet for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
- Your One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is now ready to be served and enjoyed!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
