Ina Garten’s Hearty One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole represents the ultimate comfort meal for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time feels scarce.

Hearty and satisfying, this Mexican-inspired dish combines robust flavors that dance across your palate with surprising complexity.

Warm spices mingle effortlessly with tender rice and rich protein, creating a complete meal in a single pan.

Family members will appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Ground beef provides substantial protein while corn and salsa add vibrant color and fresh dimensions to the classic recipe.

Perfectly balanced ingredients transform ordinary weeknight cooking into a delightful culinary experience that feels both familiar and exciting: Get ready to fall in love with dinner.

Why This Mexican Rice Casserole Works So Well

• Savor One-Pot Convenience: This Mexican rice casserole eliminates multiple pots and pans, making cleanup a breeze while delivering maximum flavor in minimal time.
• Create Flavor-Packed Comfort: The combination of ground beef, taco seasoning, salsa, and melted cheese delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that brings warmth and zesty Mexican-inspired taste to your dinner table.
• Enjoy Quick Weeknight Magic: From start to finish, this recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious, hassle-free meal that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.
• Customize with Ease: The versatile recipe allows simple swaps like using ground turkey, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.

All the Ingredients You’ll Need for the Casserole

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the dish, best when lean for less grease.
• White Rice: Fluffy base that absorbs all the delicious Mexican-inspired flavors, long-grain works best.

• Onion: Provides sweet and savory depth, adds texture and traditional Mexican cooking foundation.
• Garlic Powder: Concentrated garlic flavor that enhances overall seasoning profile.

• Chicken Broth: Moisture source that helps cook rice and adds subtle background taste.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that bring color, texture, and mild sweetness to the casserole.
• Tomato Sauce: Rich base that adds moisture and tangy tomato undertones.
• Salsa: Introduces authentic Mexican zest and additional vegetable complexity.

• Taco Seasoning: Signature Mexican spice blend that gives the dish its characteristic warmth and depth.
• Cheese: Melty topping that provides creamy richness and golden finish.

• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances all ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and rounds out the seasoning profile.

Cooking the One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef and Onions

• Heat large skillet over medium-high heat
• Add ground beef
• Chop fresh onions
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper
• Cook until beef turns completely brown
• Drain excess grease thoroughly

Step 2: Boost Flavor Profile

• Return skillet to stove
• Sprinkle beef with
• Garlic powder
• Taco seasoning
• Stir ingredients until evenly coated

Step 3: Create Delicious Base

• Add these ingredients to skillet
• Uncooked white rice
• Chicken broth
• Corn kernels
• Tomato sauce
• Chunky salsa
• Mix components carefully
• Ensure even distribution

Step 4: Simmer and Transform

• Increase heat to boiling
• Cover skillet with tight lid
• Reduce heat to low
• Let mixture simmer
• Cook for 18-20 minutes
• Check rice tenderness

Step 5: Melt Cheesy Topping

• Sprinkle shredded cheese over surface
• Cover skillet again
• Allow cheese to melt
• Wait 2-3 minutes
• Cheese should become gooey and golden

Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for extra zest.

Smart Advice for Rice Casserole Success

• Pick High-Quality Rice: Select long-grain white rice for the best texture and authentic Mexican flavor, ensuring each grain stays separate and fluffy.
• Master Low and Slow Cooking: Gentle simmering with a tight-fitting lid helps rice cook evenly and absorb all the delicious seasonings without burning.
• Adjust Liquid Strategically: Keep extra broth on hand to rescue slightly undercooked rice, preventing dry or crunchy grains during the final cooking stage.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Letting the casserole rest after adding cheese allows the heat to distribute evenly and create a creamy, irresistible topping.
• Customize with Confidence: Swap proteins or add extra vegetables to make this recipe your personal weeknight dinner favorite without compromising the core technique.

Storing Mexican Rice Casserole Properly

• Freezer Preservation: Seal the casserole in heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight containers to lock in freshness. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal taste. Label containers with the date to track storage time and ensure maximum quality.
• Quick Refrigeration: Transfer leftovers into glass or ceramic containers with tight-fitting lids within two hours of cooking. Position the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator to preserve texture and prevent bacterial growth. Consume within three days for the best flavor and food safety.
• Portion Control Strategy: Divide the casserole into individual servings before storing. This method allows for easier reheating, reduces waste, and provides convenient grab-and-go meals. Use portion-sized containers or wrap each serving separately in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for maximum protection.

Clever Variations to Try with Your Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Splash: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken and add diced jalapeños for extra heat. Swap regular salsa with chipotle salsa to intensify the smoky flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Power Bowl: Substitute ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles. Incorporate diced bell peppers and zucchini for added nutrition and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Mediterranean Fusion Feast: Swap taco seasoning with Mediterranean spices like oregano and cumin. Replace beef with ground lamb and add crumbled feta cheese on top. Incorporate chopped kalamata olives for a tangy Mediterranean touch.
• Seafood Coastal Edition: Use cooked shrimp or crab meat instead of ground beef. Add old bay seasoning and replace salsa with diced tomatoes with green chilies. Sprinkle some fresh cilantro before serving for a coastal twist.

Final Word on This One-Pot Wonder

Mexican Rice Casserole emerges as pure comfort wrapped in one-pan magic.

Ina Garten’s recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful meal with minimal kitchen effort.

Hearty ground beef melds seamlessly with zesty spices and tender rice.

Melted cheese crowns this spectacular dish, creating irresistible layers of flavor.

Weeknight dinners gain newfound excitement with this streamlined culinary approach.

With such simplicity and satisfaction, we challenge passionate cooks to craft this sensational meal, share their culinary adventures across social platforms, and spread delicious inspiration through every savory bite.

Ina Garten One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole brings comfort and zest to dinner tables with its hearty blend of spices and textures. Layers of rice, beans, and cheese create a satisfying meal that promises warmth and flavor in each delightful spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 cup (185 grams) long grain white rice
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 15 ounces (425 grams) can of corn, drained
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids and Sauces:

• 1 ½ cups (355 milliliters) beef broth
• 8 ounces (226 grams) tomato sauce
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) salsa

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, sautéing ground beef and finely diced onions with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook thoroughly until the meat loses its pink coloration and browns evenly, approximately 6-7 minutes.
2. Eliminate excess fat by carefully draining the skillet, then return it to the stovetop. Sprinkle the beef with aromatic garlic powder and zesty taco seasoning, ensuring the mixture is uniformly coated.
3. Introduce uncooked rice directly into the seasoned meat mixture, followed by rich beef broth, sweet corn kernels, robust tomato sauce, and tangy salsa. Gently fold ingredients to create a harmonious blend.
4. Elevate the heat momentarily, allowing the mixture to reach a vigorous boil. Immediately reduce temperature to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let the contents simmer quietly for 18-20 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid is fully absorbed.
5. Generously distribute shredded cheese across the surface, then re-cover the skillet. Allow residual heat to melt the cheese completely, creating a smooth, appetizing topping that takes 2-3 minutes.

Notes

• Cheese melts best when added off direct heat, preventing separation and ensuring smooth, creamy texture.
• Resting allows rice to absorb remaining moisture, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
• Low and slow cooking prevents burning and promotes even rice development.
• Long-grain white rice provides ideal texture and absorbs seasonings more effectively than shorter varieties.
• Consistent liquid levels guarantee perfectly cooked, tender rice without dryness or mushiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 580 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg