Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
If you’re craving a vibrant, one-pan meal that packs just as much comfort as it does flavor, look no further than this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe. It’s a personal favorite of mine for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying but don’t have the time—or energy—for a complicated affair. Perfectly seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, juicy tomatoes with chilies, and melty cheddar cheese all mingle together for a skillet dinner that tastes like a celebration. Plus, cleanup is a total breeze since everything cooks up together in one pan!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that bring big, bold flavors to your table. Each component is carefully chosen to add richness, color, or texture, ensuring a balanced, delicious bite every time.
- Ground Beef: The hearty base of the dish, delivering robust flavor and plenty of protein.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle helps sauté the veggies and keeps everything from sticking—skip the worry, not the flavor!
- Yellow Onion: Sweet and savory, onion lays a flavor foundation for the entire skillet.
- Garlic Cloves: Just a few cloves infuse the dish with irresistible aroma and depth.
- Long-Grain White Rice: The fluffy backbone that soaks up all those savory juices and flavors.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These add tang, pop, and a gentle heat—use the “hot” version if you love spice!
- Beef Broth: Infuses extra layers of savoriness, making the rice taste rich and full-bodied.
- Canned Corn: For sweet pops of color and a satisfying contrast in every bite.
- Chili Powder: Warm spice that brings classic Mexican flair without overpowering the dish.
- Cumin: Earthy and aromatic, it adds authentic depth to your skillet.
- Smoked Paprika: For a hint of smokiness that takes the flavor to the next level.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for drawing out all those fabulous flavors.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection on top, making every bite craveable.
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro: The finishing touch for fresh, herby color and pop!
How to Make Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat—a nice, wide one is best so nothing gets crowded! Toss in the diced onion and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until it softens and starts turning translucent. Add the garlic next, stirring for about 30 seconds. This is where your kitchen begins to smell amazing, and the flavors start to build a strong foundation for the rest of the Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef straight into the skillet and use your spoon to break it up as it cooks. Let it brown fully, taking care to stir now and then so it cooks evenly. If there’s a bit too much grease, go ahead and drain off the excess. This step delivers hearty, savory notes that are central to every forkful of the finished dish.
Step 3: Add Rice and Seasonings
Next up, stir in the uncooked rice, combining it with the beef, onions, and garlic so each grain gets a little flavor love. Now’s the time to add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, corn, and all the spices—chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Everything gets bright and colorful as you stir it all together, and the aroma will seriously have you craving dinner right away.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down low, cover your skillet, and let it all simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will absorb all those rich juices, making it fluff up beautifully while infusing with the vibrant flavors of the Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe. Resist the urge to peek too often, so the steam stays inside!
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Cilantro
When the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, remove your skillet from the heat. Sprinkle that glorious shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover again for just a few more minutes. This melts the cheese to absolute gooey perfection. To complete your masterpiece, finish everything off with a generous handful of fresh chopped cilantro for bright color and garden-fresh flavor.
How to Serve Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, you really can’t go wrong—feel free to get creative! Classic choices for this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe include extra cilantro, sliced green onions, or even a squeeze of fresh lime. If you like a little zing, try a scoop of salsa or sliced jalapeños on top. The extra pop of flavor and color makes this dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This one-pan wonder stands strong all on its own, but it also plays well with sides if you’re serving a crowd or want to round out the meal. Crisp tortilla chips, creamy guacamole, or a simple side salad will complement the spices perfectly. Black beans and Mexican street corn soak up flavors from the skillet for an even more hearty feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, spoon the Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe right into bowls for a rustic, family-style dinner. For a fun twist, use it as the filling for stuffed bell peppers or even roll it up in warm tortillas for instant burritos. Don’t be afraid to set up a “DIY” toppings bar, letting everyone add their own garnishes to personalize their plate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe are an absolute gift! Let the skillet cool to room temperature, then scoop any extras into an airtight container. Stored this way, it will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making lunches or speedy dinners a total breeze.
Freezing
If you want to save a batch for later, you’re in luck—this dish freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (squeeze out as much air as possible), and freeze for up to 2 months. Thawed leftovers stay just as tasty for quick meals on busy nights!
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe gently in the microwave, stirring every minute or so until hot. Or, place it back in a skillet with a splash of beef broth or water, then heat over low, stirring occasionally, just until everything’s piping hot and the cheese is melty once again.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber, but you’ll need to increase the simmer time and possibly add more broth since it takes longer to cook and absorb liquid. Just check the rice and add more broth as needed until tender.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely—just swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground or even cooked lentils for a protein boost. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and be generous with your favorite veggies like peppers and zucchini.
What if I want it spicier?
For extra heat in your Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe, you can stir in some diced fresh jalapeño along with the onions, or opt for a can of hot diced tomatoes with chilies. You could also add a dash of hot sauce at the table to customize each serving’s spice level.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes, the main ingredients in this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe are naturally gluten free. Just double-check your beef broth and spices to ensure they don’t contain added gluten or wheat-based fillers.
Can I substitute other cheeses?
Certainly! Cheddar is classic, but you can try Monterey Jack for a creamier melt or a Mexican blend for extra flavor. Pepper Jack adds a fun bit of heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a skillet supper that hits all the right notes, and this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe checks every box—easy, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Even if you’re new to the kitchen or short on time, this dish welcomes you with open arms and lots of deliciousness. Give it a try, and let it become a regular favorite in your own weeknight rotation!
Print
Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is a delicious one-pan meal that combines seasoned ground beef, rice, corn, and gooey cheddar cheese for a comforting and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
1 lb ground beef, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 small yellow onion, diced, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 1 cup long-grain white rice, 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 cup canned corn (drained), 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper,
Toppings:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Rice and Simmer: Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, beef broth, corn, spices. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 18–20 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, top with shredded cheddar cheese, cover, and let sit until melted. Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For added heat, stir in a chopped jalapeño or use hot diced tomatoes with chilies.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
