One Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole

I still remember the exact moment this recipe saved my Tuesday night sanity. It was one of those days where everything that could go wrong did – I got stuck in traffic coming home from work, my son had forgotten to tell me about a school project due the next morning, and I realized at 5:30 PM that I had absolutely nothing planned for dinner.

Standing in my kitchen, staring at my cast iron skillet still sitting on the stove from breakfast, I felt that familiar wave of “what am I going to feed my family?” panic. I opened my pantry and found a bag of rice, a can of black beans, some salsa that had been lurking in my fridge, and a block of cheese that was calling my name from the dairy drawer.

That’s when inspiration struck. What if I could make everything in one pan? I was so tired of washing a mountain of dishes every night, and the thought of using just my trusty skillet for the whole meal sounded like a dream come true. I started browning some ground beef right in that same pan, then added the rice directly to soak up all those delicious flavors.

The magic happened when I stirred in the salsa and beans – suddenly my kitchen smelled like my favorite Mexican restaurant, and I realized I was actually creating something that might be really good. I covered it all up and let it simmer while I helped my son with his last-minute homework crisis.

Twenty-five minutes later, when I lifted that lid and saw perfectly cooked rice mixed with tender beef and colorful beans, all topped with melted cheese, I actually did a little happy dance in my kitchen. My family devoured it, and my son asked if we could have “skillet night” again soon.

What Is One Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole?

One Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole is a quick meal made in just one pan with rice, beans, veggies, and melted cheese all mixed together. I first tried it on a weeknight when I was tired and didn’t want a pile of dishes waiting for me later. I started with a skillet already on the stove, added onion and spices, then stirred in beans, corn, salsa, and rice. The whole thing came together so easily while my son did his homework at the counter. In less than half an hour we had a colorful, filling dinner ready to eat straight from the skillet.

Ingredients Needed for One Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole

PIN IT

• Small red onion (diced) – starts the base of the skillet with flavor

• Extra virgin olive oil – softens the onion and spices together

• Cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, dried oregano – season the whole dish with warmth and color

• Red bell pepper (cored and diced) – adds sweetness and crunch

• Diced green chilies or jalapeño – brings a gentle kick of heat

• Corn kernels (fresh or frozen) – give a bright pop of sweetness

• Black beans (drained and rinsed) – make the dish hearty and satisfying

• Salsa or enchilada sauce – blends everything together into one skillet

• Cooked brown rice – absorbs the flavors and holds the casserole together

• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese – melt into a golden layer on top

• Fresh cilantro, diced green onions, avocado (for serving) – fresh toppings to finish the dish

PIN IT

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan – cooks everything in one place and goes straight under the broiler

• Cutting board – gives you space to prep the vegetables

• Sharp chef’s knife – makes dicing onions, peppers, and herbs quick and easy

• Measuring cups and spoons – keep the spices and liquids balanced

• Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring the ingredients together while they cook

• Can opener – handy for opening beans, corn, and chilies

• Oven mitts – protect your hands when moving the hot skillet from stove to oven

• Serving spoon – makes it easy to scoop generous portions straight from the pan

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover rice for this casserole?

Yes. Leftover cooked rice works great and helps the dish come together faster. Just stir it in toward the end so it doesn’t get mushy.

Do I have to use ground beef?

Not at all. You can swap it with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian version.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook everything in the skillet, let it cool, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven before serving.

What toppings go well with this dish?

Shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro all make great toppings to add color and flavor.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.

Don’t Miss More Recipes

Cheesy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet