Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

Matt R.

This Mexican rice casserole recipe makes for a great-tasting, hearty meal. Thank you, Pioneer Woman!

This comforting Mexican Rice Casserole packs plenty of flavor but not too much heat, making it a greeat dish for the whole family. 
Everything comes together in a single pot, so not only is the preparation quick and easy, the clean up is too!
Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole Photo

Variations

  • Try adding more of your favorite vegetables. Chopped red or green bell peppers taste great, or a diced zucchini. You could also try a large handful of corn kernels, which bring a sweetness to the dish and a great pop of color.
  • Stir in cooked beans before baking, which will make this dish a satisfying meal all by itself! Kidney beans or black beans are ideal.
  • Another way to turn the rice into a hearty meal is to add cooked ground beef along with the tomatoes.
  • For a healthier meal, use brown rice instead of white. Just bear in mind that the cooking time may need to be increased - although you can speed things up by using parboiled brown rice.
  • Change up your cheese! If you like a bit of extra fire, mix some jalapeno Jack or Mexican cheese with the cheddar. 
  • Top with sliced black olives
  • Use fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular ones, which add a lovely smoky flavor.
Mexican Rice Skillet Picture

How to make your own fire-roasted tomatoes

It's easy to get hold of canned fire-roasted tomatoes, but it's also very easy to make your own using your broiler. Here's how:
Mexican Rice Skillet Image
  1. Wash the tomatoes and cut them in half.
  2. Place them on a baking sheet with the cut side down.
  3. Set your broiler to high.
  4. Broil the tomatoes for about 10 mins, turning a few times, until the skins are blackened.
  5. Leave the tomatoes to cool. When they are cool enough to handle, remove the skins, which should slip off easily.
  6. The tomatoes are now ready to use.

How to serve this Mexican Rice Casserole

Simply top it with sour cream (and maybe some guacamole too!) and scoop it up with crunchy tortilla chips.
Delish!
Mexican Rice Skillet Pic

How to store leftovers

This is one of those dishes where the flavors seem to itensify with time and the leftovers taste even better the next day.
If you don't think you'll be able to use them up that quickly, then you can freeze the casserole instead.
For quick and easy lunches, try spooning individual portions of the mixture onto a baking sheet, lined with a silpat. Freeze them overnight then place into a freezer bag. Hey presto - perfectly portioned lunches on hand, whenever you need them!
Print
Save

Pioneer Woman Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

Embed
    12 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Canola Oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/2-1 cup Onion, chopped
  • 4 cups Long Grain Rice
  • 29 ounces Tomato, (2 14.5-ounce cans)
  • 10 ounces Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cayenne Pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 6-8 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
  • 1 1/2 cups Cheddar Cheese
  • Fresh Cilantro, chopped, for serving

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375.
  2. Heat oil in a dutch oven and mix in the garlic and onions. Cook for three or four minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to low and add the rice. Stir consistently, making sure the rice does not burn. Cook over low heat, approximately three minutes.
  4. Add the whole tomatoes, diced tomatoes, cumin, salt, cayenne and turmeric. Stir to combine and let cook, two minutes or so.
  5. Stir in the chicken broth.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, and reduce heat to low. Cover... simmer until the rice is not quite done,...10 to 15 minutes.
  7. Top with cheese  and then bake with the lid off until the cheese is melted and the rice fully cooked, approximately 15 minutes.
  8. Serve with chopped cilantro.
Source: The Pioneer Woman
Published:
Modified:
Source:
The Pioneer Woman
Cuisine:
Mexican
Category:
Food Network
Tags:
, , , , , ,
Related Recipes:
The Pioneer Woman Recipes, Food Network Recipes, Mexican Recipes, Casserole Recipes, Rice Recipes, Dinner Recipes, Freezer Meal Recipes
Recipe Yields:
12 servings
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Total Time:
Related Post:
Published:
Author: Matt R.
Source: The Pioneer Woman
Recipe Yields: 12 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 serving
Servings Per Recipe 12
Amount Per Serving
Calories from Fat 54
Calories 178
% Daily Value*
10%
Total Fat 7g
15%
  Saturated Fat 3g
16%
Sodium 374mg
6%
Total Carbohydrate 19g
2%
  Dietary Fiber 2g
  Sugars 0g
12%
Protein 6g
* Percent Daily Value are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrition Facts are estimated based on ingredients and data provided by Fat Secret. Please consult a doctor if you have special dietary needs.
Show Comments