Description
One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is an easy, flavorful, and wholesome dish combining long-grain white rice, Mexican spices, fresh vegetables, black beans, and melted cheese, all cooked together in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners, this comforting casserole offers vibrant authentic Mexican flavors with minimal cleanup and is customizable to suit your dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 tablespoon Mexican seasoning blend (cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, building the flavor base for the casserole.
- Step 2: Add the vegetables and seasoning
Stir in diced bell peppers and Mexican seasoning blend. Toast the spices briefly with the vegetables to release their aromas and deepen the flavor.
- Step 3: Incorporate rice and liquids
Add the long-grain white rice to the pot, stirring to coat it evenly in the oil and spices. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with green chilies, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Step 4: Simmer and cook
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid excessive stirring to achieve fluffy rice.
- Step 5: Add beans and cheese
Gently fold in the black beans, then sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top. Cover the pot again and cook for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and creamy.
- Step 6: Garnish and serve
Finish the casserole by squeezing fresh lime juice over the top and sprinkling with chopped cilantro for a bright, zesty flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality Mexican seasoning for the best flavor.
- Allow the rice to simmer undisturbed to ensure fluffy texture.
- To enhance flavor and texture, lightly toast the rice in oil before adding liquid.
- Build layers of flavor by adding aromatics first, then vegetables and seasoning gradually.
- Adjust the amount of broth as needed depending on the type of rice and pot used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg