Have you ever craved the vibrant flavors of Mexico but wanted a meal that’s both incredibly easy to make and clean up? Look no further! This Mexican Rice Casserole recipe is your answer to a flavorful, fuss-free dinner that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-skillet wonder is naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted to be vegan, making it a versatile dish for everyone at your table.
Close-up shot of One Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole, bubbling and golden brown, showcasing the melted cheese and colorful ingredients.
If you’re like me and have a soft spot for Mexican cuisine, you’re in for a treat. From savory enchiladas to zesty tacos, the taste of Mexico is undeniably comforting and exciting. This Mexican Rice Casserole captures that beloved essence in a simple, hearty casserole form. And if you’re exploring more Mexican-inspired dishes, you might also enjoy these recipes:
- Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas
- Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole
- Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls
- Zucchini Burrito Boats
- Black Bean Pecan Tacos
- Vegan Chili Cheese Nachos
- Tofu Fajita Kebabs
- Avocado Lime Soup
But for now, let’s dive into the star of the show: our incredibly easy One Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole.
Overhead view of the skillet with sautéed onions and spices, the base for a flavorful Mexican Rice Casserole.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It all starts by building a flavorful foundation right in your skillet. We begin by sautéing diced onion with a blend of aromatic spices. This initial step is crucial as it infuses the entire casserole with a rich, warm Mexican flavor profile.
Image showing diced red onion being sautéed in a skillet with olive oil, the first step in making Mexican Rice Casserole.
Close-up of spices being added to sautéed onions in a skillet, enhancing the base flavor of the Mexican Rice Casserole.
Next, we introduce diced bell pepper and green chilies to the skillet. The bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, while the green chilies bring a mild kick. For those who prefer a spicier casserole, feel free to substitute fresh jalapeños for canned green chilies – just remember to remove the seeds for a milder heat level.
Image of diced red bell pepper and green chilies being added to the skillet with onions and spices for Mexican Rice Casserole.
Once the peppers and chilies have softened slightly, it’s time to incorporate the heart of our Mexican Rice Casserole: the beans, corn, rice, and salsa. Rinsed black beans and sweet corn kernels provide texture and substance, while cooked brown rice makes it a satisfyingly hearty meal. The salsa ties everything together, adding moisture and that signature Mexican zest. While the original recipe suggests a roasted yellow chili salsa, feel free to experiment with your favorite salsa or even enchilada sauce for a slightly different flavor dimension.
Image showing black beans, corn, salsa, and rice being stirred into the skillet with vegetables and spices for Mexican Rice Casserole.
Overhead shot of all ingredients combined in the skillet before topping with cheese for Mexican Rice Casserole.
The final touch before baking is a generous topping of shredded cheese. Monterey Jack and cheddar create a classic cheesy blanket that melts beautifully in the oven. A quick broil at the end ensures a perfectly golden brown and bubbly cheese topping, making this Mexican Rice Casserole irresistible. In just minutes in the oven, dinner is ready!
Image of the finished One Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole, topped with melted cheese, ready to serve.
This One Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole is more than just an easy dinner; it’s a flavor-packed, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!
One Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Yield: 5 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Printable recipe card icon for One Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole. Print Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, drained (or 1 jalapeño, diced)
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen and defrosted
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 12 ounces salsa or enchilada sauce
- 1 ½ cups cooked brown rice
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese*
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese*
- Optional serving suggestions: fresh cilantro, diced green onions, avocado
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet (approximately 3 quarts) over medium heat. Add diced red onion and sauté for 3 minutes, until softened. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and oregano. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
- Add diced red bell pepper and green chilies to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the pepper is slightly tender. Stir in drained and rinsed black beans, corn kernels, salsa (or enchilada sauce), and cooked brown rice. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Preheat oven broiler. Top the casserole mixture evenly with shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. Place the skillet under the broiler and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced green onions, and/or avocado, if desired.
* Vegan Variation: To make this Mexican Rice Casserole vegan, simply omit the cheese and skip the broiling step. For a creamy topping, drizzle with Nacho Cashew Cream after cooking.
Tips for the Best Mexican Rice Casserole:
- Rice: Ensure your brown rice is pre-cooked before adding it to the skillet. Leftover rice works perfectly!
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. For a milder version, ensure you remove the seeds from jalapeños if using fresh ones.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties like pepper jack for a spicier kick or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Add-ins: Get creative and add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. For a non-vegetarian option, consider adding cooked ground turkey or shredded chicken.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Mexican Rice Casserole! Let me know in the comments below how yours turned out!
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