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Flavorful One-Pan Mexican Rice Casserole

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A quick and easy one-pan Mexican rice casserole with black beans and pepper jack cheese, perfect for busy weeknights. This flavorful and filling dish combines smoky spices, tender rice, and melty cheese for a comforting meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (190g), toasted
  • 1 can black beans (15 oz / 425g), drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth (480ml) or vegetable broth for vegetarian version
  • 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (14.5 oz / 411g)
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese (100g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, chopped) for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  4. Stir in the rice and toast it with the veggies for 2-3 minutes until grains become translucent and smell nutty.
  5. Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat evenly.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine.
  7. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the drained black beans.
  8. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  9. Remove from oven carefully. Sprinkle shredded pepper jack cheese evenly over the top. Replace lid or cover loosely with foil and let sit for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Toast the rice first to add nutty flavor and prevent mushy texture. Use fresh spices for best flavor. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer before baking. Use an oven-safe skillet with a tight-fitting lid to lock in moisture. If rice is still firm after baking, add a splash of broth and bake for 5-10 more minutes. Rest casserole after baking to let flavors meld. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese or omit cheese and add avocado slices after baking. Brown rice can be used but requires longer cooking time and more liquid.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican rice casserole, one-pan meal, black beans, pepper jack cheese, easy dinner, quick casserole, gluten-free, vegetarian option

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/flavorful-one-pan-mexican-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-and-best-for-dinner/