Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
This Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is the kind of weeknight wonder that fills your kitchen with the aromas of smoky spices and bubbling cheese, drawing everyone to the table before you even call them. Packed with seasoned beef, fluffy rice, zesty tomatoes, and a burst of colorful vegetables, it all comes together in one pan for a meal that’s deliciously comforting and incredibly easy. This is the recipe you’ll want to tuck into your favorites for when you need something hearty, quick, and bursting with the vibrant flavors of a homemade Mexican-inspired dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is a building block that brings its own flavor, color, and texture to the final dish. Don’t be tempted to leave anything out—the magic is in how these simple grocery staples meld into an irresistible meal!
- Olive Oil: Gives the beef a perfect sear and adds richness to the skillet.
- Ground Beef: The star of the show—juicy, savory, and packed with protein.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed with the beef.
- Garlic: Brings essential flavor and a touch of sharpness to balance the dish.
- Red Bell Pepper: Gives a pop of color and a subtle sweetness with every bite.
- Long-Grain White Rice: Soaks up all the flavors and provides a fluffy base.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Delivers both tangy acidity and zesty heat.
- Beef Broth: Infuses the rice with savory, layered flavor while cooking.
- Black Beans: Bring fiber, creaminess, and heartiness to each forkful.
- Corn Kernels: Add sweet, juicy crunch and a bit of sunny color.
- Chili Powder: The foundation of those deep, Mexican-inspired notes.
- Cumin: Offers that earthy, slightly smoky undertone essential for this recipe.
- Paprika: Lends a warm red hue and gentle peppery taste.
- Salt: Brings out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and rounds out the spices.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts down for a sharp, gooey finish on top.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Smooth and creamy, it balances the sharper cheddar.
- Fresh Cilantro: Brightens the dish with its fresh, herbal zing.
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze over just before eating for an irresistible fresh lift.
How to Make Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat that splash of olive oil in your largest, deepest skillet over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon or spatula. Cook until well browned and any liquid has evaporated—this is where you start to build bold flavor for your Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe.
Step 2: Soften the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper straight to the beef. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables turn soft and the onion goes just translucent. You’ll smell that magical, savory aroma that means good things are on the way.
Step 3: Add Rice and Flavor Foundations
Pour in the uncooked rice, then add the full can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir in the beef broth, rinsed and drained black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together so every bit of rice is surrounded by flavor and ready to absorb all that goodness.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the skillet contents to a boil, then lower the heat all the way down. Cover tightly with a lid, and let it gently simmer for about 20 minutes. That’s enough time for the rice to soften, the liquid to absorb, and for everything to mingle, creating the savory, satisfying base of your Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe. No peeking!
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Finish
Once the mixture is tender and almost all the liquid is gone, remove the lid. Sprinkle both the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top, then stir until it gets melty and luscious, coating everything in a creamy layer. That cheesy topping is pure comfort food bliss!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat, scatter plenty of fresh cilantro across the top, and serve with lime wedges on the side. That final touch of cilantro and a squeeze of lime is bright, fresh, and really brings the whole Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe together—don’t skip it!
How to Serve Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest way to take this meal up a notch is with generous handfuls of fresh cilantro, cooling slices of avocado, or maybe some diced tomatoes or chopped green onions. That pop of green and juicy freshness against the warm, cheesy skillet never fails to make dinner feel more festive. Don’t forget to serve with those lime wedges for extra zip!
Side Dishes
This skillet is a meal in itself, but pairing it with sides can turn dinner into a real Mexican-inspired feast. Classic options would be warm flour or corn tortillas, a crisp shredded lettuce salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or a simple bowl of guacamole and tortilla chips. For even more veggies, grilled zucchini or a smoky street corn salad go beautifully with the rich flavors of the Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Change things up by spooning the cheesy mixture into halved bell peppers, baking them for stuffed peppers with a twist, or ladling it over tortilla chips for skillet nachos. If you have leftovers, tuck the mixture into burritos or fold it into quesadillas with extra cheese. The colors and textures of the Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe make it a total crowd-pleaser—however you serve it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly after dinner. The flavors only get better as they mingle overnight, and you can enjoy the leftovers for up to 3 or 4 days. Just be sure to let everything cool completely before sealing and storing.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping ahead. Scoop cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible, then stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and freshness.
Reheating
Simply microwave single servings in a bowl until piping hot, or warm larger amounts on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Top with a bit of fresh cheese and cilantro after reheating to revive that just-made taste of your Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, you can swap in brown rice, but keep in mind you’ll need to increase both the liquid and the cook time. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so add up to 1/2 cup more broth and plan for at least 15 to 20 extra minutes for the rice to become tender.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe has a gentle heat from the diced tomatoes with green chilies, as well as the chili powder. If you love things extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne or stir in some diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions and pepper.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute for a lighter meal. They both soak up the same bold flavors from the spices and broth, and the cheesy finish keeps everything just as satisfying and comforting.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as written the Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your broth and canned ingredients to ensure they don’t contain any hidden sources of gluten for those with sensitivities.
What other toppings work well?
You can get creative with your toppings! Try dollops of sour cream, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, pickled onions, or even a little hot sauce drizzled over the top to turn every bowl into a personalized Mexican-inspired delight.
Final Thoughts
No matter how busy your weeknights get, this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or fun for a meal that comes together quickly. Give it a try, share it with friends or family, and watch it become a regular request at your dinner table. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is a flavorful one-pot meal that combines ground beef, rice, beans, and veggies in a cheesy, comforting dish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Rice and Seasonings:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
- Add rice, tomatoes, broth, beans, corn, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Remove lid and stir in cheeses until melted. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This dish works well with ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
