One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole

Looking for a delicious and easy meal to make for your family? This One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole is sure to be a hit! Packed with flavor and all made in one dish, this recipe will save you time and effort in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup white rice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro for topping

Instructions:

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add in the onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
• Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, rice, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked.
• Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro before serving.

Helpful tips:

• For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeno pepper to the mix.
• You can substitute brown rice for white rice for a nuttier flavor.
• Feel free to add in other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition.
• This dish can be made vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Make it ahead of time and bake it in the oven for a crispy top layer.
• Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.
• Add some crushed tortilla chips on top for a crunchy texture.
• Adjust the spices to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.
• This casserole makes excellent leftovers for a quick lunch the next day.
• Serve with a side of fresh salsa for an extra kick of flavor.

Expert Secrets:

• Make sure to use a good quality chili powder for the best flavor impact.
• Cook the rice just until it’s done to avoid a mushy texture.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Use a skillet with a tight-fitting lid to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
• Cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned for depth of flavor.
• Don’t skip the toppings as they add freshness and creaminess to the dish.
• Consider adding a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
• Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a burst of citrus flavor.
• Play around with different types of beans for variety, such as pinto or kidney beans.
• Don’t be afraid to customize this dish to your liking by adding in your favorite ingredients.