Description
This Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a flavorful, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring lean ground beef, vibrant veggies, black beans, corn, and rice all cooked together in a tangy salsa and tomato sauce base, it’s a delicious Tex-Mex comfort food that the whole family will love. Topped with melted Colby Jack cheese and fresh cilantro, it’s easy to prepare with just one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, small diced
- 1 medium onion, small diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 16 ounces salsa
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
- Fresh chopped cilantro (for serving)
- Your favorite taco toppings (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Seasoning and Ingredients: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Then add the drained and rinsed black beans, drained corn, beef broth, salsa, tomato sauce, and uncooked long-grain white rice. Stir the mixture so all ingredients are well combined.
- Simmer and Cook Rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid uncovering during this time to ensure even cooking.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Once the rice is cooked, gently stir in 1 cup of the shredded Colby Jack cheese until melted and creamy. Then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pot again and let sit for 5 minutes on low heat, or until the cheese on top is melted.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve warm with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or avocado slices for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with extra beans or a plant-based meat alternative.
- You can use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter flavor.
- Using a sealed lid during simmering is crucial to properly cook the rice.
- Adjust the amount of salsa and tomato sauce according to your preferred level of sauciness.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
