Crock Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy day. It’s packed with rice, seasoned meat, cheese, and Mexican-inspired flavors, all cooked together in a slow cooker for an easy, one-pot meal. This casserole is great for feeding a crowd or making leftovers for the week.
Here’s a delicious recipe for Crock Pot Mexican Rice Casserole:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey (you can also use chicken)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or beef broth)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheeses)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, avocado, or extra cheese
Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or turkey/chicken). Once the meat is cooked through, drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Season the Meat:
- Stir in the taco seasoning, and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
3. Prepare the Casserole in the Crock Pot:
- In the bottom of your slow cooker, add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooked meat mixture to the crock pot and stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook the Casserole:
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. Check the rice for doneness around the 3-hour mark (on low heat).
5. Add Cheese:
- Once the casserole is done cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to melt the cheese.
6. Serve:
- Stir the casserole to mix the melted cheese in, and serve hot.
- Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, avocado, or more cheese.
Tips:
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for some extra heat.
- For a vegetarian version: Skip the meat and add extra beans (black beans or pinto beans) and vegetables like zucchini or diced tomatoes.
- Add-ins: You can throw in some sliced olives, chopped green onions, or even a cup of salsa for extra flavor.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Enjoy!
This Crock Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is an easy, all-in-one meal with bold flavors. It’s perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, or serving at gatherings. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your preferences! Would you like any suggestions for side dishes to go with this, or ways to tweak the recipe further?
