Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole: A Flavorful Family Favorite

This Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole recipe brings a delightful twist to your dinner table. Imagine a one-pan dish filled with hearty ground beef, fluffy rice, and the vibrant flavors of Mexico, all topped with melted, gooey cheese. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that your family will ask for again and again.

Inspired by classic comfort food and the zest of Mexican cuisine, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. It’s similar in spirit to other beloved Mexican-inspired dishes like Chile Relleno Casserole and Mexican Goulash, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal without complicated steps or lengthy cooking times. If you are a fan of Mexican Rice or ground beef dinners, this Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole is destined to become a new staple in your recipe rotation.

Why This Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole is a Must-Try

This recipe stands out for several reasons, making it a winner for both cooks and eaters alike. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make. Using everyday ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, you can whip up this casserole in no time. Secondly, it’s a one-pot meal, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience. Who doesn’t love fewer dishes? This also means less time in the kitchen and more quality time with your family.

Furthermore, the flavor profile is incredibly versatile and family-friendly. The combination of taco-seasoned ground beef, savory rice, sweet corn, and hearty black beans creates a symphony of textures and tastes that appeal to all ages. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or adventurous palates, this Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.

Key Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole

To create this delicious Mexican rice casserole, you’ll need a selection of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients. The heart of the dish is the ground beef, seasoned with classic taco spices to bring that authentic Mexican flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Ground Beef: Opt for 80% ground beef for a good balance of flavor and texture. Leaner ground beef, like 90/10, can also be used if preferred.
Aromatic Vegetables: Onion, bell pepper, and garlic form the flavorful base of the casserole. These vegetables are sautéed to release their sweetness and create depth of flavor.
Mexican Flavor Boosters: Salsa and green chilies provide the essential Mexican zest. Choose your salsa based on your spice preference – mild, medium, or hot.
Hearty Additions: Corn and black beans add both texture and nutritional value to the casserole. Frozen corn (thawed) or canned corn works equally well.
Rice: Long grain white rice is highly recommended for this casserole. It cooks perfectly in the skillet without becoming mushy, ensuring each bite is delightful.
Beef Broth: This is the cooking liquid that brings all the flavors together and cooks the rice to fluffy perfection.
Cheese: Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese, typically a mix of Cheddar and Monterrey Jack, melts beautifully over the casserole, adding a cheesy, comforting finish.

Alt text: Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole arranged on a wooden surface, including ground beef, vegetables, spices, canned goods, and cheese.

Spice It Your Way: Adjusting the Heat Level

One of the best things about this Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole is how easily you can customize the spice level to suit your family’s taste. If you prefer a milder dish, using mild salsa is a simple solution. For those who like a bit more heat, medium or hot salsa will kick things up a notch.

Another excellent way to control the spice is by making your own taco seasoning. Homemade taco seasoning allows you to adjust not only the heat but also the salt content, giving you complete control over the flavor profile of your casserole. Experiment with different chili powders and spice blends to find your perfect level of zest!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole

Creating this Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole is a breeze, even for beginner cooks. Follow these simple steps to bring this flavorful dish to life:

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Alt text: Sautéing chopped onions and bell peppers in a skillet for Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole.
Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Season the Beef: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the cooked ground beef and stir to coat evenly.

Alt text: Ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning in a skillet for Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in drained corn, black beans, salsa, tomato paste, and green chilies. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Alt text: Adding salsa, corn, and green chilies to the ground beef mixture for Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in uncooked long grain white rice and beef broth.

Alt text: Uncooked rice and beef broth added to the skillet for Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole.
Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Alt text: Simmering Pioneer Woman Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole in a skillet with a lid.
Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese over the casserole. Cover and let it sit for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Serve and Garnish: Garnish with chopped tomatoes, green onions, or cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole!

Alt text: Close-up of cheesy Pioneer Woman Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole garnished with fresh cilantro.

Essential Tips for the Best Mexican Rice Casserole

To ensure your Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

Accurate Measurements: Precise ingredient measurements, especially for the rice and beef broth, are crucial for proper cooking. Too much liquid can result in mushy rice, while too little may lead to undercooked rice.
Don’t Skip the Boil: Bringing the rice mixture to a boil before simmering is essential for initiating the cooking process correctly. This ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid properly.
Proper Simmering: Maintain a low simmer and keep the skillet covered during cooking. This steams the rice and cooks it gently, resulting in fluffy and tender grains.

More Delicious Ground Beef Dinner Ideas

If you love ground beef as much as we do, here are a few more fantastic dinner ideas to explore after you master this Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole:

Ground Beef Stroganoff: A comforting classic made easy and quick, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Beef Enchilada Taco Boats: Fun and flavorful handheld meals that are great for game days or casual dinners.
Eggroll in a Bowl: A healthy and speedy one-skillet meal that’s packed with flavor and fits various dietary lifestyles.
Brown Sugar Meatloaf: A step up from traditional meatloaf with a sweet and savory glaze that’s incredibly satisfying.
Texas Tamale Pie: A hearty casserole with a saucy ground beef filling and a delicious cornbread topping.

Explore Other Beef and Rice Recipes

Looking for more ways to combine beef and rice? These recipes offer diverse flavors and cooking styles:

Beef Tips and Rice: Tender beef tips simmered in a savory gravy and served over rice, a comforting and hearty meal.
Porcupine Meatballs: Classic comfort food meatballs with rice cooked right inside, simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce.
Taco Rice Bowl: A quick and customizable bowl meal that’s perfect for a fast lunch or dinner.

Enjoy creating this Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole for your family! It’s a recipe that combines ease, flavor, and comfort in every bite.

Recipe: Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole

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Yields: 6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon oil
½ onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought packet or homemade)
1 ½ cups red salsa
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup corn, drained (frozen or canned)
1 (16-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (4-ounce) can green chilies, diced
1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
2 cups beef broth
2 cups shredded Mexican Blend cheese (Cheddar, Monterrey Jack)
Optional garnishes: chopped tomatoes, green onions, cilantro

Instructions:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, draining excess grease.
Stir in taco seasoning, salsa, tomato paste, corn, black beans, and green chilies.
Add uncooked rice and beef broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
Sprinkle cheese over casserole; cover and let melt for 3-5 minutes.
Garnish and serve hot.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):