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One Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

3.9 from 233 reviews

This One Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal combining sautéed vegetables, spices, black beans, corn, and rice, topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a spicy, hearty Mexican flair.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Fresh Ingredients

  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 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 and defrosted
  • Serving suggestions: fresh cilantro, diced green onions, avocado

Spices and Seasonings

  • 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

Canned and Packaged Ingredients

  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 12 ounces salsa or enchilada sauce

Grains and Dairy

  • 1 and 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese*
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese*

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onions and Spices: Start by warming the olive oil in a large 3-quart skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Then, add the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and dried oregano, stirring to combine. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and the mixture to become fragrant.
  2. Add Peppers and Chilies: Stir in the diced red bell pepper and the drained green chilies or jalapeno. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften slightly.
  3. Incorporate Beans, Corn, Salsa, and Rice: Add the drained and rinsed black beans, corn kernels, salsa or enchilada sauce, and cooked brown rice to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly, allowing the mixture to heat through on medium heat for a couple of minutes.
  4. Broil with Cheese Topping: Preheat your oven to broil. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses over the top of the skillet mixture. Place the skillet under the broiler for about 3-4 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts, becomes golden, and bubbly.
  5. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced green onions, and sliced avocado as desired for added freshness and flavor.

Notes

  • Use precooked brown rice to save time; you can substitute with white rice or quinoa.
  • Adjust the level of spice by choosing mild or hot diced chilies or jalapenos.
  • The cheese topping can be omitted or substituted with vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
  • This recipe is perfect for meal prep and reheats well the next day.
  • Use a broiler-safe, ovenproof skillet such as cast iron to avoid damage.

Keywords: Mexican rice casserole, one skillet meal, vegetarian Mexican recipe, quick Mexican dinner, easy rice casserole, black beans and rice, spicy rice dish