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One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
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This One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish combining fluffy long grain rice, black beans, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, aromatic onions and garlic, savory Mexican cheese blend, and warm Mexican spices. Cooked together in one pot, it delivers a comforting yet wholesome meal perfect for busy weeknights, with simple cleanup and customizable ingredient options.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup Mexican cheese blend, shredded

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant. This creates the flavorful base of the casserole.
  2. Toast the Rice and Spices: Add the uncooked long grain rice to the pot and stir it with the onions and garlic for about 2 minutes to toast it. Then sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, stirring to coat the rice evenly with the spices.
  3. Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the drained black beans. Stir well to combine and ensure the rice is submerged in liquid for proper cooking.
  4. Simmer Until Rice is Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  5. Add Cheese and Let it Melt: Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend on top. Replace the lid and allow the residual heat to melt the cheese for about 5 minutes, creating a creamy cheesy layer.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground spices for the most vibrant and authentic flavor.
  • Toasting the rice prevents it from becoming mushy and adds nuttiness.
  • Keep the pot tightly covered while simmering to steam the rice evenly.
  • Add the cheese last to keep it gooey and to prevent burning.
  • Let the casserole rest covered for a few minutes off heat before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot, Mexican rice casserole, easy dinner, quick meal, comfort food, gluten free, vegetarian option

Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/one-pot-mexican-rice-casserole/