One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
One of my favorite things is when I hear people tell my husband, “Oh, you must eat so well,” because he’s married to a food blogger. It’s my favorite thing because it isn’t true. I mean we do eat homemade meals most of the time. And I try to make tasty food, but our meals are FAR from fancy – this one pot Mexican rice casserole is one of my fancier meals.
They are our best intentions of trying to be healthy, using what we have on hand, and whatever else goes into feeding your family. Sometimes it’s pretty good. More often than not, it’s whole grains, roasted vegetables, and some sort of protein.
My husband is really pretty patient with how often “rice and veggies” comes out of my mouth for dinner plans. And really, this one pot Mexican rice casserole with veggies is a little jazzed up, but it’s a huge winner…
I realized after living with my husband for a while that a little splurge on an otherwise ordinary dinner can go along way. For example… Yes, we’re having soup again, but I bought a loaf of bread in the bakery to make yummy toast.
OR Yes, we’re having tacos again, but I bought chips and avocado for guacamole. The “extras” are usually inexpensive and easy but oh so tasty!
CONTENTS
One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
One of the reasons I love this one pot Mexican rice casserole dinner is that it uses up all kind of leftovers. This recipe uses up chicken and rice/quinoa. You could sub chicken for any kind of meat. And the veggies as well.
I think I’ve thrown in leftover veggies too. So basically whatever you have is good. I’m not above using 5 mushrooms, ½ a bell pepper, and two zucchini because that’s what’s in the fridge! With all that melty cheese and avocado, who cares?! Oh, and don’t forget the tapatio!
And if you’re looking for another dish for that tapatio, try anything with this homemade fajita seasoning and fajita veggies or this cowboy cornbread casserole – topped with cornbread and just – YUM!!
Want some other good one pot recipes? This lemon tuna pasta is easy, inexpensive and delicious! Simpler versions (great as a side dish too) are pasta and peas and this one pot green bean pasta is a mandatory one in our house. If you need something heartier, check out this lentil soup, Dutch Oven Corned Beef and Cabbage, and shrimp + pancetta wild rice medley!
And check out these rice cooker recipes for cooking more than just plain rice!
More Homemade Mexican Recipes
Want more Mexican-inspired recipes? Homemade fajita seasoning is a must-have no brainer in our world, something we use regularly in these turkey stuffed peppers with rice, my carnitas nachos (a great leftover chicken or turkey recipe), and my 7 layer vegan bean dip! And don’t forget the pico de gallo!
If you’re looking for something more protein-focused, try this low card taco soup with chicken breast and ground beef!
These tortilla pinwheels are a fun and easy Mexican appetizer too! And if you’re overcome with leftovers, try making these Mexican rice bowls!
This Mexican Chocolate Cake is simple and yet so deliciously amazing – same goes for my Iced Mexican Mocha. And these Mexican fruit cups which can be customized to everyone’s liking with salt, lemon juice, and tajin seasoning!
And if you have time, can you sip on some of these mango margaritas or raspberry margaritas on the rocks for me? Thanks! I really appreciate it!
ONE POT MEXICAN RICE CASSEROLE
Ingredients
- 2 medium bell peppers chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1½ teaspoons salt divided
- 1 teaspoon pepper divided
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes not too spicy but optional
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 4 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 can black beans drained
- 2-3 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 1 large breast)
- 1 quart homemade canned tomatoes or 2 cans
- 1-1½ cups cheddar monterey jack, or pepper jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in dutch oven or large pot with lid over medium heat. Add onions and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Sauté 2-3 minutes. Add bell peppers, ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper, chili flakes (if using), and garlic powder. Sauté 3-5 minutes until beginning to soften.
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add rice and cook 3-5 minutes until beginning to crisp in places, stirring occasionally. Add beans, chicken, and tomatoes. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, and remaining one teaspoon salt. Stir to mix thoroughly. Cook, stirring frequently until warm throughout (5-8 minutes).
- Turn oven to broil. Top rice mixture with shredded cheese. Broil 10 minutes until cheese is bubbling and starting to brown.
- ALTERNATIVE: If you don’t want to turn on the oven… After topping with cheese, cover pot and let cheese melt 5-8 minutes.
