Description
Hearty Mexican rice casserole combines zesty flavors and comforting textures in a single skillet. Packed with spices, protein, and melted cheese, this dish delivers a satisfying meal that brings Mexican-inspired cuisine directly to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can 15 oz (425 g) corn, drained
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Starches, Liquids, and Toppings:
- 1 cup (190 g) long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) beef broth
- 1 can 8 oz (227 g) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) salsa
- 1 cup (113 g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring meat is thoroughly cooked and crumbled.
- Eliminate excess fat by carefully draining the skillet, preserving the meat’s rich flavor.
- Reintroduce the skillet to the stovetop and infuse the beef with robust taco seasoning and aromatic garlic powder, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Create a hearty one-pot meal by integrating uncooked rice, savory beef broth, sweet corn kernels, tangy tomato sauce, and zesty salsa into the seasoned meat.
- Ignite the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer, covering the skillet to allow ingredients to meld and rice to absorb liquid.
- Maintain low heat for 18-20 minutes, periodically checking rice tenderness and liquid absorption to prevent overcooking.
- Transform the dish by cascading shredded cheese across the surface, creating a molten blanket of creamy goodness.
- Allow residual heat to gently melt the cheese for 2-3 minutes, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish.
- Serve the steaming casserole directly from the skillet, showcasing the vibrant, layered flavors of this Mexican-inspired one-pot wonder.
Notes
- Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences.
- Toast rice in skillet before adding liquids to enhance nutty flavor and prevent clumping during cooking.
- Control spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning amount or using mild salsa for sensitive palates.
- Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium broth and homemade taco seasoning blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg