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One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
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One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines tender vegetables, savory rice, vibrant Mexican spices, and melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this recipe offers one-pot convenience and a satisfying blend of textures and colors that’s customizable to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Aromatics & Seasonings

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Mexican seasoning blend (cumin, chili powder, oregano)

Cheese & Garnishes

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Fresh lime juice (from 1 lime), for garnish

Optional Ingredients for Variations

  • Oil for sautéing (1-2 tablespoons)
  • Protein options: cooked chicken, ground beef, turkey, or chorizo
  • Vegetables: bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms
  • Spicy additions: diced jalapeños or hot sauce
  • Alternative cheeses: pepper jack or Mexican cheese blend
  • Grain alternatives: brown rice or quinoa

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant to form the savory base of the casserole.
  2. Add rice and seasonings: Stir in the uncooked long-grain rice and Mexican seasoning blend. Toast the rice for 2 minutes to enhance nutty flavor and help evenly absorb spices.
  3. Combine remaining ingredients: Add canned tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Stir to ensure rice is fully submerged in liquid for even cooking.
  4. Simmer until rice is tender: Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is fully cooked and most liquid is absorbed.
  5. Add cheese and finish baking: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and cook for 5 more minutes until cheese melts and becomes gooey. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden crust.

Notes

  • Use fresh spices where possible, such as freshly ground cumin and chili powder, for the brightest flavor.
  • Do not lift the lid during simmering to keep steam trapped for perfectly cooked rice.
  • Adjust the amount of broth as needed depending on rice variety; check the texture toward the end of cooking.
  • Squeeze fresh lime juice after cooking to maintain its zesty brightness.
  • Allow casserole to rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking to let flavors meld and rice finish steaming.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican rice casserole, one pot meal, easy dinner, Mexican spices, cheesy casserole, black beans, quick meal

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/one-pot-mexican-rice-casserole/