One Pot Taco Casserole Recipe

This One Pot Taco Casserole is my go-to comfort food because it’s packed with flavor and so easy to make—it combines all my favorite taco ingredients into a single, hearty dish. Plus, the melty cheddar cheese on top pulls everything together, and it feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight!

I adore making simple and robust meals, and this One Pot Taco Casserole fits the bill perfectly. With components such as lean ground beef, black beans that are full of fiber, and diced tomatoes, you have a dish that is both savory and full of protein.

The taco seasoning and salsa give it the flavor oomph you expect from a nacho-type meal, while the shredded cheddar cheese on top makes it a melt-in-your-mouth casserole. In other words, it’s a casserole that packs in the nutrients while also being a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Ground Beef:
An abundant source of protein, absolutely necessary for the development of muscle.

Onion:
With antioxidants for health benefits, adds a savory depth.

Garlic:
Enhances taste and helps the immune system.

Salsa:
Delivers a zesty, peppery wallop with vitamin C-packed tomatoes.

Black Beans:
Rich in dietary fiber and protein, promoting smooth digestion and a sense of fullness.

Corn:
Provides natural sweetness and is a good source of carbohydrates.

Cheddar Cheese:
Delivers a smooth mouthfeel and delivers calcium for strong bones.

Rice:
Gives energy from carbohydrates; a fundamental ingredient in numerous meals.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sour cream, diced avocados, chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. In a big pot or a deep skillet, warm the extra virgin olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

2. In a vessel, combine the coarsely cubed onions and the minced garlic. Allow them to cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions become see-through and the garlic begins to release its delicious aroma.

3. Incorporate the taco seasoning into the meat such that the beef becomes reinvigorated with the flavor profile of the spices.

4. Combine all of these ingredients well: the salsa, beef broth, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.

5. Put the pot with the uncooked rice in it. Stir it again and bring it to a full boil.

6. When the water reaches a boil, turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is done and the water is absorbed. Stir it occasionally to keep the rice from sticking.

7. Add salt and pepper to the casserole to achieve the desired taste.

8. Disperse the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

9. Replace the lid on the pot and allow it to sit undisturbed on low heat for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted into a molten state, bubbling up here and there in response to the heat.

10. Take it off the heat and serve with optional toppings like sliced green onions, sour cream, diced avocados, and chopped cilantro. Dig into the One Pot Taco Casserole!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot or deep skillet
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cups
7. Can opener
8. Stirring spoon
9. Lid for pot or skillet

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute for a different flavor.
• Q: How do I make this recipe spicier?Increase the heat by adding any of the following: chopped jalapeños, more salsa, or chili powder.
• Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?A: Yes, although you’ll need to change up the cooking time and throw in more broth, since brown rice takes its sweet time to get tender.
• Q: What can I use instead of taco seasoning?You can prepare your own mixture using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a hint of red pepper flakes.
• Q: Can this be made ahead of time?Q: Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then bake it later?

  A: Yes, prepare the casserole up to the point of adding cheese. Then, refrigerate it. When ready to eat, reheat and add cheese before serving.

• Q: How should leftovers be stored?Store leftover food in a container with an airtight seal in the main compartment of the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days, or place it in the freezer for a longer duration of time.
• Q: Can I add other vegetables?Definitely! You can boost the nutrition and flavor by adding some bell pepper, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Substitutions and Variations

Ground beef: For a leaner option, substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken.
Taco seasoning: Use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own with cumin, paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder.
Salsa: Utilize diced tomatoes and green chilies in place of salsa for a gentler flavor profile.
Kidney beans or pinto beans can take the place of black beans for a change of pace.
Brown rice or quinoa can be used as a healthier alternative to replace white rice.

Pro Tips

1. For extra flavor, consider browning the ground beef in batches. This allows the meat to caramelize rather than steam, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

2. Add a splash of lime juice right before serving to brighten up the flavors and complement the taco seasoning and salsa.

3. To ensure perfectly cooked rice, use a long-grain variety and rinse it under cold water before adding it to the pot. This removes excess starch and helps achieve a fluffier texture.

4. Enhance the depth of flavor by adding a bay leaf or a dash of smoked paprika when simmering the mixture, removing the bay leaf before serving.

5. For a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper alongside the taco seasoning. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.