Description
A comforting, flavor-packed Mexican-inspired casserole made with tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese. This one-pot dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 500g (1 lb) lean ground beef
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 1/4 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2.5 cups (625 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 400g (14oz can) corn kernels, drained
- 400g (14oz can) black beans, drained
- 1 capsicum/bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup green onions/shallots
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
Mexican Spices
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1.5 tbsp dried oregano
- 3 tsp cumin
- 3 tsp coriander
- 3 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1.5 tsp salt
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until onion is translucent (about 1.5 minutes).
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it up as you cook. Cook until no raw spots remain (about 2 minutes).
- Season: Add cayenne pepper, oregano, cumin, coriander, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Add Vegetables and Tomato Paste: Add diced capsicum and cook for 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste.
- Combine Rice, Broth, Corn, and Beans: Pour in chicken broth and add uncooked rice, corn, and black beans. Stir well. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook gently for 15 minutes.
- Stir in Green Onions and Cheese: Remove lid, stir in green onions and half the shredded cheese.
- Add Final Cheese Layer: Smooth the top of the mixture and sprinkle remaining cheese evenly. Cover for 1 minute to melt the cheese.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with additional green onions if desired.
Notes
- Cheese Selection: Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for best results.
- Spice Adjustment: Adjust cayenne to your heat preference.
- Rice Doneness: Check rice before serving; if firm, add a splash of broth and cook longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican