Description
A vibrant and easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole combining rice, beans, veggies, spices, and melted cheese for a flavorful, family-friendly, and nutritious dinner made in just one pot with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a bit of oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions, garlic, and green bell pepper, cooking until they soften and become fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the uncooked rinsed rice, letting it lightly toast with the sautéed vegetables for 2-3 minutes to add a nutty flavor and help keep the grains separate.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Cook Until the Rice is Tender: Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice absorbs the liquid and is tender. Do not lift the lid too often to retain steam and ensure perfect cooking.
- Add Beans, Corn, and Cheese: Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the black beans, corn, and about half of the shredded cheese. Replace the lid and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve Warm with Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle the remaining cheese and fresh cilantro on top before serving. Optionally, add sliced avocado, sour cream, or your favorite hot sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- Rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness.
- Use fresh chili powder and cumin for more vibrant, authentic flavors.
- Keep the lid closed during simmering to trap steam and cook the rice perfectly.
- Customize the cheese type or amount to suit your taste preferences.
- Add a splash of fresh lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One Pot Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: One Pot, Mexican, Rice Casserole, Easy Dinner, Family Friendly, Vegetarian Option, Gluten Free