One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, this One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is just the thing! Packed with savory ground beef, tender rice, sweet corn, and bold taco spices, this dish delivers restaurant-style Mexican flavors in a fraction of the time. And best of all, it all comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Whether feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this one-pot wonder is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- One pan only: Minimal cleanup, perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor-packed: Bold taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and salsa infuse every bite.
- Hearty & comforting: Combines protein, carbs, and veggies in one dish.
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients and Their Roles
Every ingredient in this casserole contributes to a balanced flavor, texture, and color:
- 1 pound ground beef – Provides a hearty, protein-packed base with savory richness.
- 1 small onion, diced – Adds mild sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Salt & pepper, to taste – Enhances all flavors and balances the spices.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning – Infuses bold, Mexican-inspired flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Deepens the savory taste and adds aroma.
- 1 cup long grain white rice – Absorbs all the delicious flavors, becoming tender and flavorful.
- 1 ½ cups beef broth – Keeps the rice moist, adds richness, and carries flavors throughout.
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained – Adds natural sweetness and subtle texture contrast.
- 8 ounces tomato sauce – Provides rich, tangy depth to the dish.
- ½ cup salsa – Adds spice, tomato flavor, and freshness.
- 1 cup shredded cheese – Melts into a gooey, irresistible topping that completes the casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions for One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
- Cook the Beef & Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion with salt and pepper. Stir frequently, breaking up the beef, until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle taco seasoning and garlic powder over the beef. Stir well to ensure the beef is coated evenly with spices, giving it bold Mexican flavor.
- Add the Rice & Liquid: Stir in the long grain white rice, followed by the beef broth, tomato sauce, and salsa. Mix thoroughly to ensure the rice is evenly coated and submerged in liquid.
- Cook Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Corn & Cheese: Stir in the drained corn, then sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced avocado for extra freshness and flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
- Use long grain rice: It cooks evenly and absorbs flavors without becoming mushy.
- Don’t rush simmering: Low and slow ensures the rice cooks perfectly and flavors meld beautifully.
- Cheese topping: Cover after adding cheese to allow it to melt fully and stay gooey.
- Optional add-ins: Black beans, bell peppers, or jalapeños can add extra color, texture, and nutrition.
- One-pan cleanup: Use a non-stick skillet or oven-safe pan to minimize sticking and make cleanup easier.
Serving Suggestions
This One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance it with sides such as:
- Fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette.
- Warm tortillas or tortilla chips for scooping.
- Guacamole or sour cream for creamy contrast.
- Pickled jalapeños or salsa for added spice.
It also works beautifully as a meal prep option — store individual portions in containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to restore moisture. This casserole also freezes well — just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion: Quick, Flavorful, and Hearty
This One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole proves that a delicious, hearty meal doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With savory ground beef, tender rice, sweet corn, and bold taco spices, all cooked in a single pan, it’s an easy, satisfying dinner for busy nights or meal prep days.
Perfect for those craving comfort food with minimal effort, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines convenience, flavor, and hearty satisfaction. Enjoy a warm, cheesy scoop knowing it’s ready in just 30 minutes, with minimal cleanup!
Easy Broccoli Salad (With Bacon, Cheese & Creamy Dressing)
This Easy Broccoli Salad is bright, crunchy, and utterly addictive. With crisp broccoli florets, salty bacon, sharp cheddar, and a silky, creamy dressing, it balances textures and flavors: cool and crunchy, sweet and tangy, smoky and rich. Perfect for potlucks, backyard gatherings, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients and Their Roles
- 2 (12-ounce) bags raw broccoli florets – The crunchy backbone, soaking up dressing while providing fresh contrast.
- ½ cup chopped red onion – Sharp, zesty bite; optional substitutions include chives or green onion tops.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Creamy, savory depth, balances broccoli and bacon.
- ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped – Smoky saltiness and texture; can use turkey bacon or roasted chickpeas for alternatives.
- ½ cup dried cranberries (optional) – Sweet-tart pops; can swap for grapes.
- 1–1¼ cups creamy coleslaw dressing – Coats every piece and softens broccoli’s bite; homemade option: mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt & pepper.
- Salt & pepper – To balance flavors, added sparingly.
- Optional: 2–3 tbsp sunflower seeds or chopped pecans – Adds crunch and visual appeal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse and dry broccoli florets thoroughly; cut large florets to 1–1.5 inches.
- Cook bacon until crisp; drain, chop, or use pre-cooked bits.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, onion, cheddar, bacon, cranberries, and nuts if using.
- Pour 1 cup dressing over salad and toss gently; add up to ¼ cup more if desired.
- Chill 2–4 hours for flavors to meld; stir before serving and adjust seasoning.
Pro Tips
- Dry broccoli completely to avoid watery salad.
- Mellow raw onion by soaking in cold water 5 minutes.
- Make ahead: Keeps up to 3 days in fridge; stir before serving.
Zero-Point Strawberry Ice Cream (WW Friendly)
This Zero-Point Strawberry Ice Cream is creamy, naturally sweet, and guilt-free. Made with frozen strawberries, banana, and fat-free Greek yogurt, it’s a refreshing dessert that satisfies cravings without added sugar or WW points.
Ingredients and Their Roles
- 2 cups frozen strawberries (unsweetened) – Fruity flavor, color, and natural sweetness.
- 1 ripe banana, sliced and frozen – Natural sweetener and thickener for creamy texture.
- ½ cup fat-free Greek yogurt – Creaminess, protein, slight tang; plant-based option available.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional) – Enhances depth of flavor.
- Sweetener of choice (optional) – Stevia, monk fruit, or maple syrup; may add points.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Freeze banana slices and strawberries overnight.
- Blend frozen fruits, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Scrape sides, add splash of water or almond milk if needed.
- Taste and add optional sweetener.
- Serve immediately for soft-serve or freeze 1–2 hours for scoopable ice cream.
Pro Tips
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and smooth texture.
- High-powered blender ensures creamy consistency.
- Customize flavors: cinnamon, mint, or blueberries.
- Vegan swap: plant-based yogurt works perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy as is or with fresh berries, cocoa nibs, nuts, or granola for texture.
Storage Tips
Store in airtight container up to 1 week; let sit 5–10 minutes at room temperature for easier scooping.
One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
This One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is quick, hearty, and packed with bold Mexican flavors. Ground beef, tender rice, sweet corn, tomato sauce, and taco spices all come together in one pan for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients and Their Roles
- 1 pound ground beef – Hearty, protein-packed base.
- 1 small onion, diced – Aromatic sweetness.
- Salt & pepper, to taste – Enhances flavor.
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning – Bold Mexican spices.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Deepens savory taste.
- 1 cup long grain white rice – Absorbs flavors and becomes tender.
- 1 ½ cups beef broth – Keeps rice moist and flavorful.
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained – Adds sweetness and texture.
- 8 oz tomato sauce – Rich, tangy depth.
- ½ cup salsa – Spice and fresh tomato flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheese – Gooey, irresistible topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook ground beef and onion over medium-high heat; drain excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning and garlic powder; stir to coat beef evenly.
- Stir in rice, beef broth, tomato sauce, and salsa; mix well.
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 18–20 mins until rice is tender.
- Add drained corn and sprinkle cheese on top; cover 2–3 mins until melted.
- Adjust seasoning, garnish with cilantro, green onions, or avocado.
Pro Tips
- Use long grain rice for perfect texture.
- Simmer slowly to allow flavors to meld.
- Cheese melts best when covered.
- Add optional veggies like bell peppers or black beans.
- One-pan cleanup: use non-stick or oven-safe skillet.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette.
- Warm tortillas or tortilla chips for scooping.
- Guacamole or sour cream for creamy contrast.
- Pickled jalapeños or salsa for extra spice.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently with splash of broth. Can freeze; thaw overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
These three recipes — Easy Broccoli Salad, Zero-Point Strawberry Ice Cream, and One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole — combine simplicity, flavor, and nutrition. Perfect for quick dinners, make-ahead meals, and guilt-free desserts, they make everyday cooking effortless, satisfying, and delicious.