Hearty, Flavor-Packed Comfort Food in 30 Minutes or Less!

 One-Pot Mexican Beef & Rice Casserole

Hearty, Flavor-Packed Comfort Food in 30 Minutes or Less!

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Mexican Casserole

Looking for a quick, satisfying, and family-approved weeknight dinner that won’t leave you with a sink full of dishes? This One-Pot Mexican Beef & Rice Casserole is your new go-to recipe! Packed with bold Mexican flavors, a satisfying blend of beef, rice, and veggies, and topped with melty cheese, it’s everything you crave in a comforting meal—made in just one skillet.

This dish brings together the heartiness of a casserole and the ease of a stovetop dinner, meaning you can have a full, balanced meal on the table in just 30 minutes—no oven required!

Whether you're feeding picky eaters, cooking in a rush, or simply craving Mexican-inspired comfort food, this recipe will deliver every single time.

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🛒 Ingredients (and Why They Matter)

✅ 1 Pound Ground Beef

Provides a savory, protein-rich base for the dish. Ground beef cooks quickly and soaks up the seasoning beautifully.

✅ 1 Small Onion, Diced

Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor, balancing the richness of the meat and seasoning.

✅ Salt & Pepper, To Taste

Essential for seasoning the meat and enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.

✅ 2 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning

The backbone of the dish’s flavor. This mix of spices (think cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano) brings bold, smoky, and slightly spicy Mexican flair.

✅ 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

Amplifies the savory notes and adds a rich aromatic touch without overpowering the other ingredients.

✅ 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice

Acts as the hearty filler of the casserole. Long grain rice maintains its texture and doesn't get mushy, making it ideal for one-pot meals.

✅ 1½ Cups Beef Broth

Infuses the rice with a deep, umami-rich flavor as it cooks. This is the secret to making rice taste extraordinary.

✅ 1 (15 Ounce) Can Corn, Drained

Adds a pop of sweetness and texture, complementing the savory flavors and breaking up the richness.

✅ 8 Ounces Tomato Sauce

Gives the dish its saucy, cohesive base, tying all ingredients together with a mild acidity and sweetness.

✅ ½ Cup Salsa

Brings zesty flavor and a kick of spice, helping to layer in classic Mexican flavors.

✅ 1–1½ Cups Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Mexican Blend)

Melts over the top for a gooey, irresistible finish. Cheese takes this dish from tasty to downright addictive.

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🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef & Onion

In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion with a pinch of salt and pepper until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink (about 5–7 minutes).

👉 Pro Tip: Drain excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too heavy.

2. Add Seasonings

Return the pan to the heat. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and garlic powder, stirring well to coat the meat evenly.

👉 This step allows the spices to toast slightly, enhancing their flavor.

3. Stir in the Rice & Wet Ingredients

Mix in the uncooked rice, beef broth, corn, tomato sauce, and salsa. Stir until everything is well combined.

4. Simmer Until Rice is Tender

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

5. Melt the Cheese

Once the rice is tender, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Replace the lid and let it sit for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey.

👉 Pro Tip: For an extra cheesy crust, pop it under the broiler for 2 minutes if your skillet is oven-safe!

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❤️ Why This Recipe is a Favorite

One Pan, No Fuss – Minimal cleanup!

Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.

Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less.

Customizable – Add beans, bell peppers, or swap in ground turkey.

Kid-Friendly – Mild enough for little ones, but flavorful enough for adults.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Make it a meal with these tasty add-ons:

Toppings: Fresh cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado, or sliced jalapeños.

Sides: Warm flour tortillas, tortilla chips, or a crisp green salad.

Drinks: Pair with a cold Mexican soda, iced tea, or a light cerveza.

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🧠 Pro Tips for Success

Use Long Grain Rice: It cooks evenly and keeps its structure.

Let It Sit: After turning off the heat, let the casserole rest (covered) for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Make It Spicier: Add a diced jalapeño or use spicy salsa for extra heat.

Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months!

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🔥 Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Mexican Beef & Rice Casserole checks every box: it’s fast, flavorful, filling, and easy on the cleanup. Whether you're a busy parent, a student on a budget, or just someone who loves bold, comforting meals—this recipe is for you.

With every bite, you get that irresistible mix of spiced beef, tender rice, sweet corn, and melty cheese, all in under 30 minutes. Once you try it, it’s guaranteed to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.

Save this recipe now—your future self (and your family) will thank you.

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Ready to try more? Check out our other easy one-pot meals that bring big flavor with minimal effort!