One Pan Tex-Mex Rice Casserole
- Brianne Thomas
- Dec 26, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 9
This dish is bursting with Tex-Mex flavor and is packed full of lean ground beef, savory pinto beans, sweet corn, and delicious Mexican Rice, then topped with lots of sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for Taco Tuesday!
Who doesn’t love “Taco Tuesday”? We're big fans of Tex-Mex food around here and look forward to it anytime it's on the menu plan. This casserole is fantastic as-is, but you can also serve it over nachos or as a burrito filling. I've even added some tomato sauce and beef broth to make a taco soup from the leftovers. Talk about budget-friendly!
I actually started making our taco filling this way about 12 years ago, as a way to stretch the meal and allow for leftovers for lunches. During that time, I was in college, we had our first daughter, and were living on a very modest single income. Finding creative ways to save money and stretch the little money we did have was almost like a job to me. I wanted us to enjoy eating at home and not feel like we were missing out by not going to restaurants that were out of our budget.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Tex-Mex Casserole
Customizable. Add or subtract ingredients to make this dish tailored to your preferences.
Easy Prep. This dish comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights!
Freezer Friendly. This dish is perfect for meal prepping, and it freezes beautifully.
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Helpful Tips for Making One Pan Tex-Mex Casserole
Rice. I use my homemade Mexican Rice, but feel free to use regular white rice. If using brown rice, you'll need to add additional cooking time. White rice typically cooks in about 15-20 minutes, while brown rice can take 40-50 minutes.
Veggies. I use my home-canned corn, beans, and tomatoes. If using store-bought, you’ll want to use 15-ounce cans for the corn and beans and 1½ - 2 cans of tomatoes & green chilies.
Taco Seasoning. Again, I use my homemade version, but if you’re using store-bought, you’ll need one 1-ounce packet.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
2 Tablespoons chili powder
3 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Add all ingredients to an airtight container or spice jar. Seal and shake well to combine. Store at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Hungry for More Tex-Mex Inspired Dishes? Check Out These Family Favorites!
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:
1-pound lean ground beef
16 ounces corn, drained and rinsed
16 ounces pinto beans, drained and rinsed
16 ounces diced tomatoes & green chilies
2 cups Mexican Rice
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno, finely minced
¼ -½ cup homemade taco seasoning
¼ -½ cup water
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
Directions
In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of lean ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.
Add 1 medium chopped onion, 1 chopped green bell pepper, and 1 finely minced jalapeno to ground beef and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes or until vegetables become soft.
Add in ¼ - ½ cup taco seasoning and ¼ - ½ cup water.
Gently stir in 16 ounces each of diced tomatoes and green chilies, corn, pinto beans, and 2 cups cooked Mexican Rice.
Mix well to combine. Simmer for approximately 5 minutes or until beans and corn are heated through.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese and your additional favorite toppings.
How to Store One Pan Tex-Mex Rice Casserole
Leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to Freeze One Pan Tex-Mex Rice Casserole
Store the casserole in a freezer-safe container with a snap-on lid or cover tightly with aluminum foil and/or plastic wrap. Use within 3 months.
To reheat, allow the casserole to thaw in the refrigerator for 12 hours, or overnight. If the container is oven-safe (such as a foil pan), place the container in a preheated 400° oven and bake for 25 minutes or until heated through completely. Casserole can also be reheated on the stovetop on medium-high heat for approximately 10 minutes or until heated through.
Did you make this One Pan Tex-Mex Rice Casserole? Let us know how it turned out by tagging us on social media!
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