Ina Garten’s Cozy Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe: One Pot Comfort

Simmering with vibrant flavors and hearty goodness, this one-pot Mexican rice casserole by Ina Garten brings a delightful twist to weeknight dinners.

The recipe blends rich spices and tender ingredients into a comforting meal that dances across your taste buds.

Packed with zesty ingredients and bold seasonings, this casserole promises a delicious adventure for anyone seeking a satisfying dinner solution.

Its simplicity makes it a standout dish that requires minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.

The combination of rice, protein, and robust Mexican-inspired spices creates a harmonious blend that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this mouthwatering one-pot wonder that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Get ready to savor every single bite of this incredible casserole that brings the warmth of Mexican cuisine right to your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 6

One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole: Ingredients Guide

• Ground Beef: Adds hearty, rich flavor and substantial protein to create a filling meal.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation that enhances the overall depth of the dish.

• Broth: Infuses moisture and intense savory notes into the rice and meat mixture.
• Tomato Sauce: Delivers a smooth, tangy base that binds ingredients and adds vibrant color.
• Salsa: Introduces zesty, fresh Mexican-inspired complexity and extra moisture.

• Uncooked Rice: Serves as the primary starch, absorbing flavors and creating a satisfying base.
• Corn: Brings sweet crunch and bright yellow color to balance the dish's richness.
• Cheese: Melts into a creamy, golden topping that adds luxurious finish and extra protein.
• Garlic Powder: Adds quick, concentrated garlic flavor without chopping fresh garlic.
• Taco Seasoning: Delivers authentic Mexican-inspired spice blend for bold taste profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting all other ingredient flavors.

Tools You’ll Need for Ina’s One Pot Mexican Dish

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning beef and cooking the entire casserole, with high sides to prevent spillover.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and breaking up ground beef while cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure rice, broth, and other ingredients for consistent results.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions before adding to the skillet.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for precise onion chopping.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating cheese, though pre-shredded works too.

Method to Make Ina Garten’s Rice Casserole

Hearty Mexican Rice Feast

• Beef and Onion Foundation Sizzle ground beef with diced onions in a spacious skillet, creating a rich base of savory flavors that will make your kitchen smell incredible.
• Spice Explosion Sprinkle in zesty taco seasoning and a hint of garlic powder, transforming the meat into a mouthwatering mixture that promises delicious depth.
• One-Pot Magic Toss in uncooked rice, vibrant corn, tangy tomato sauce, and bold salsa, stirring everything together for a colorful culinary adventure.
• Simmering Transformation Bring the concoction to a bubbling boil, then reduce heat and let it gently simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld and rice to become perfectly tender.
• Cheesy Finale Blanket the dish with a generous layer of melting cheese, creating a golden, gooey topping that turns this meal into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Customize It: Cooking Tips for Mexican Casserole

• Transform this Mexican rice casserole with these delicious tips and variations.
• Replace ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for a different protein profile.
• Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or a sprinkle of cayenne to boost the heat and create a more intense flavor experience.
• Incorporate black beans, diced bell peppers, or zucchini to increase nutritional value and add extra texture to the dish.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream to elevate the final presentation and add fresh flavors.

Serving Ideas for Ina’s Rice Casserole

• Serve with Fresh Toppings: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced avocado on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
• Create a Tex-Mex Feast: Pair the casserole with warm tortillas, sour cream, and a side of crisp garden salad to complete the meal.
• Add Some Heat: Drizzle hot sauce or sprinkle jalapeño slices for those who love an extra kick of spiciness.
• Make it a Fiesta Plate: Garnish with a lime wedge and serve alongside black beans or Mexican-style street corn for a full, satisfying dinner experience.

Storing Your Mexican Casserole from Ina Garten

• Maximize Meal Prep: Store leftovers in airtight containers for quick and easy reheating throughout the week. The casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pack individual portions in freezer-safe containers. These Mexican rice casserole portions stay fresh for up to 2 months, providing a convenient backup meal when you're short on time.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated portions in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent dry spots.
• Smart Portioning: Divide the casserole into grab-and-go containers for lunch meal prep. This strategy saves time and ensures a delicious, home-cooked meal during busy workdays.

Hearty One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

One-Pot Mexican Rice Casserole from Ina Garten brings comfort and zest to dinner tables. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 cup (185 g) long grain white rice
• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) beef broth
• 8 oz (226 g) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) salsa
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 15 oz (425 g) can of corn, drained
• 2 tbsps taco seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef and onions in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt and pepper until meat is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes.
2. Seasoning Infusion: Drain excess fat, then return skillet to heat. Coat beef with garlic powder and taco seasoning, ensuring even distribution of flavors throughout the meat.
3. Liquid Integration: Combine uncooked rice, beef broth, corn, tomato sauce, and salsa directly into the seasoned meat mixture. Stir thoroughly to create a cohesive blend of ingredients.
4. Cooking Process: Bring mixture to a rapid boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover skillet with a tight lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become perfectly tender.
5. Cheese Finale: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover and let residual heat melt the cheese until it creates a smooth, golden blanket across the dish, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Notes

• Meat Browning Technique: Ensure ground beef is cooked completely with no pink color to guarantee food safety and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Drainage is Key: Carefully remove excess fat after browning meat to prevent a greasy final dish and maintain a clean, appetizing texture.
• Rice Absorption Trick: Watch liquid levels closely during simmering to achieve perfectly tender rice without becoming mushy or dry.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Let residual heat melt cheese naturally for a smooth, even coating that prevents overcooking or burning the cheese topping.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg