What ingredients do I need to make a Mexican rice casserole?

To make a classic Mexican rice casserole, you’ll need cooked rice, diced tomatoes or salsa, black beans or pinto beans, corn, shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well), chopped onions, garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, and cooked chicken or beef if desired. Fresh cilantro and lime juice add brightness. You can adjust ingredients to your taste or dietary preferences, such as using vegetarian protein or adding jalapeños for heat. Combining these ingredients in a baking dish and cooking until bubbly creates a flavorful, comforting meal.

How do I make Mexican rice casserole gluten-free?

Mexican rice casserole is naturally gluten-free if you avoid ingredients containing wheat or gluten additives. Use certified gluten-free canned tomatoes or salsa, check that your spices don’t have fillers, and opt for gluten-free beans. Rice is gluten-free by nature. When adding cheese or meat, ensure they are unprocessed and free from gluten-containing additives. This approach allows you to enjoy the casserole safely while maintaining its rich flavors.

Can I prepare Mexican rice casserole ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, Mexican rice casserole can be made in advance and reheated with great results. Prepare the casserole fully, then cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 2 months, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat the same way. This makes it ideal for meal prepping or busy weeknight dinners.

What side dishes pair well with Mexican rice casserole?

Mexican rice casserole pairs nicely with fresh, light side dishes to balance its rich flavors. Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette, guacamole and tortilla chips, or steamed sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Refried beans or a dollop of sour cream also complement the casserole nicely. These sides add variety in texture and flavor while keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.

Is Mexican rice casserole a healthy meal option?

Mexican rice casserole can be a nutritious and balanced meal depending on the ingredients used. It provides carbohydrates from rice, protein from beans or meat, and vitamins from vegetables and spices. To boost health benefits, opt for brown rice, add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, and choose low-fat cheese. Limiting added salt and using fresh herbs can improve the dish’s nutritional profile without sacrificing flavor. This casserole can fit well within a wholesome diet.

Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe With Easy One Skillet Flavor

Name: Mexican Rice Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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 jalapeno, diced; – 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, defrosted); – 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; – 12 ounces salsa or enchilada sauce; – 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice; – 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; – 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese; – fresh cilantro; – diced green onions; – avocado

Description

🌶️ This One Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole delivers a flavorful and hearty meal using simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
🍽️ It’s a quick and versatile dish perfect for weeknights, offering options for both vegan and meat-eaters alike.

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 jalapeno, diced

– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, defrosted)

– 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

– 12 ounces salsa or enchilada sauce

– 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice

– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

– fresh cilantro

– diced green onions

– avocado

Instructions

1-How to Prepare the Perfect Mexican Rice Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide: Let’s dive into making this Mexican rice casserole, starting with getting everything ready. First, warm 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and toss in the diced red onion. Cook it for about 3 minutes until it softens up and smells great.

2-Next, stir in 2 teaspoons of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Let those spices mingle for 2-3 minutes to wake up their flavors. Then, add the diced red bell pepper and drained diced green chilies or diced jalapeno, cooking for another 2-3 minutes to blend everything together.

3-Now, mix in 1 (15 ounce) can of drained black beans, 1 cup of corn kernels, 12 ounces of salsa or enchilada sauce, and 1 1/2 cups of cooked brown rice. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a hearty mixture. Preheat your oven to broil, top the skillet with 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, then broil for 3-4 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

4-Serve it warm and garnish with fresh cilantro, diced green onions, and avocado for extra flair. If you’re going vegan, skip the cheese and drizzle with a vegan queso sauce instead. For a fun twist, check out our chicken taco casserole recipe to see how similar flavors can shine in other dishes.

Notes

🌶️ Use canned green chilies for convenience or fresh jalapeno for more heat (remove seeds for less spice).
🍚 Brown rice should be cooked beforehand; quick-cook or microwaveable varieties work well.
🍗 Add cooked chicken, ground turkey, or sausage to increase protein if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sautéing, Broiling
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: Mexican casserole, One skillet meal, Rice casserole, Easy flavorful recipe