Mexican Rice Casserole

I’ve included some videos I found relevant and helpful. 😍

Mexican Rice Casserole is a tasty one-pan meal you can make in just 30 minutes. It’s packed with flavor from ground beef, rice, beans, and veggies. You’ll love how easy it is to throw together this filling dish for your family.

This recipe uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. The mix of textures and flavors makes it satisfying and fun to eat. You can even customize it with your favorite toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or avocado.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this tasty Mexican rice casserole:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning mix
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

You can also add these optional toppings to make your casserole even yummier:

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced avocado

With these ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready in no time! Remember to adjust the amounts if you want to make more or less servings.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and red bell pepper. Cook until the beef isn’t pink anymore. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Mix in minced garlic, tomato paste, and taco seasoning. Stir until the beef is coated. This adds lots of flavor!

Pour in uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with chiles, salsa, and chicken broth. Stir it all together and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

Take off the lid and add black beans and corn. Cook for 10 more minutes. The rice should be soft and the liquid soaked up.

Turn off the heat and sprinkle cheese on top. Cover again for 5 minutes to melt the cheese. Your casserole is ready!

Serve it hot. Add toppings if you want – try cilantro, green onions, sour cream, or avocado. Enjoy your tasty Mexican rice casserole!

Possible Substitutes List

You can easily swap ingredients in this Mexican rice casserole to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry. Here are some tasty options:

Protein:

  • Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
  • Shredded rotisserie chicken
  • Crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version

Veggies:

  • Green bell pepper instead of red
  • Zucchini or yellow squash
  • Canned green chiles for extra heat

Rice:

  • Brown rice (may need extra cooking time)
  • Quinoa for added protein
  • Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option

Beans:

  • Pinto beans or kidney beans instead of black beans
  • Refried beans for a creamier texture

You can also try different types of cheese, like cheddar or pepper jack. For the salsa, use mild, medium, or hot to adjust the spice level. If you don’t have taco seasoning, mix chili powder, cumin, and oregano for a similar flavor.

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make this Mexican rice casserole more diabetes-friendly, you can make a few simple swaps. Start by using brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice has more fiber and a lower glycemic index.

Next, replace the ground beef with lean ground turkey. This cuts down on saturated fat while still providing protein. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach to boost nutrients and fiber.

Cut back on the cheese by using just 1 cup instead of 1 1/2 cups. Choose a reduced-fat version to further lower the saturated fat content. For toppings, skip the sour cream and use plain Greek yogurt instead.

Here’s a quick list of diabetes-friendly swaps:

  • Brown rice for white rice
  • Ground turkey for beef
  • Extra veggies (zucchini, spinach)
  • Less cheese (1 cup reduced-fat)
  • Greek yogurt for sour cream

These changes will help lower the carb content and glycemic impact of the dish. Remember to watch your portion sizes too. Aim for a serving about the size of your fist to help manage blood sugar levels.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best Mexican rice casserole, use fresh ingredients. Chop your veggies right before cooking to keep them crisp. If you like spice, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

You can swap ground turkey for beef to make it lighter. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based crumbles or extra beans. Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning if you make these changes.

To save time, prep your ingredients ahead. Chop the onions and peppers, and measure out the dry ingredients. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Leftovers are great for meal prep. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot. Add a splash of water if it seems dry.

You can freeze this casserole too. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Try these toppings to add extra flavor:

  • Fresh lime juice
  • Crushed tortilla chips
  • Pickled jalapeños
  • Diced avocado

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *