Description
A cozy, one-pot Mexican-inspired casserole with fluffy rice, juicy ground beef, bright peppers, warm spices, and a blanket of melty cheese. Simple to make, easy to love, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 ounces
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Season with chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let the spices bloom for 30 seconds.
- Add rinsed long-grain rice, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for 18 to 22 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Stir once midway if needed.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top, cover, and let rest 2 to 3 minutes until cheese melts. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot, straight from the pot.
Notes
- Note: Rinse the rice until the water runs clear to keep grains fluffy.
- Toast the rice briefly after the beef browns for a deeper, nutty flavor.
- Add a splash of broth when reheating to refresh the texture.
- For extra heat, include a diced jalapeño with the onions and peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: one-pot casserole, Mexican rice casserole, beef and rice, easy weeknight dinner, skillet dinner, family friendly