Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes 35-40 minutes to cook and may require an extra 1/2 cup of broth. Monitor the liquid levels as it cooks and add more if needed.

How can I make this recipe less spicy for kids?

Use mild salsa and reduce the amount of taco seasoning by half. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for adults who want more heat. The cheese also helps temper spiciness.

Can I prepare this in advance for a busy weeknight?

Absolutely! You can cook the beef mixture with vegetables and seasonings ahead of time, then refrigerate. When ready to cook, reheat the mixture, add the liquid ingredients and rice, and proceed with the recipe as written.

What if my rice isn't cooking evenly or is still crunchy?

If your rice isn't fully cooked after the recommended time, add an additional 1/4 cup of broth or water, cover, and continue cooking for 5-10 more minutes. Make sure your heat is low enough for a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil.

Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

Name: Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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

Description

This Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights. Made with lean ground beef, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a flavorful blend of taco seasonings, this dish comes together effortlessly in a single skillet. It’s topped off with gooey, melted Colby Jack cheese and your favorite taco toppings for a crowd-pleasing meal packed with flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Units 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

Cheese and Garnishes

2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
Fresh chopped cilantro (for serving)
Your favorite taco toppings

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Instructions

Cook the Base Ingredients
In a large skillet with deep sides, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef, bell pepper, and onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess liquid from the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant.
Add Seasoning
Stir in the packet of taco seasoning, making sure it is evenly mixed throughout the beef and vegetables.
Combine Liquids and Vegetables
Add the black beans, corn, beef broth, salsa, and tomato sauce to the skillet, stirring everything together. Allow the mixture to come to a boil.
Add Rice
Stir in the long-grain white rice, ensuring it is fully incorporated into the mixture.
Simmer and Cook
Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow it to simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes to prevent sticking. The dish is ready when the rice is tender, and most of the liquid is absorbed. The mixture will thicken as it cools.
Incorporate Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese until melted and well combined.
Finish with Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt completely. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with your favorite taco toppings.

Notes

Use long-grain white rice to ensure proper cooking and texture.
Substitute Colby Jack cheese with your cheese of choice if desired.
This casserole can be frozen for future meals, making it ideal for meal prep.
Lean ground beef (85/15) helps reduce excess grease in the dish.
Customize the toppings with favorites like guacamole, sour cream, hot sauce, or jalapeños.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 440kcal
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 1080mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 88mg