Description
A hearty and flavorful One-Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole featuring ground beef, black beans, corn, and tender rice cooked together with aromatic spices. This easy one-pan meal is topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole leaner.
- Add Spices: Stir in the salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder. Cook for another minute to let the spices release their flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the black beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, corn kernels, rice, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir all ingredients well to combine evenly.
- Simmer the Casserole: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow it to simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it rest for about 5 minutes so the cheese melts thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top if desired, and serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty finish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- If you prefer spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños when adding spices.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully on the stovetop or microwave.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.