If you love one-pan dinners filled with bold flavors and effortless satisfaction, Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice will become your new go-to comfort food. It’s a hearty, colorful skillet dish that brings together juicy beef, tender rice, creamy black beans, sweet corn, and melty cheddar cheese, all spiced just right for the perfect balance of warmth and zest. Every spoonful is loaded with homestyle charm and Mexican-inspired personality, making this a meal that delights both kids and adults and turns any busy night into something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how such simple, everyday ingredients can come together to create something so cozy and craveable. Each element in this Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice has its part to play, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor, surefire satisfaction, and a vibrant mix of textures and colors.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Brings juicy richness and protein for a super-satisfying base.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds subtle depth and helps everything cook up perfectly golden.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Provides gentle sweetness and a little crunch to balance the savoriness.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Gives a punch of aromatic flavor the whole dish hinges on.
- Long-grain white rice, uncooked (1 cup): The canvas that soaks up all those bold flavors and makes the meal hearty.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Adds tang, juiciness, and a pretty splash of red to every serving.
- Black beans, drained and rinsed (1 can, 15 ounces): Delivers creaminess, fiber, and earthy richness.
- Beef broth (1½ cups): Gives the rice savory depth and helps everything simmer to tender perfection.
- Frozen corn (1 cup): Pops of sweetness and a golden color that makes the skillet look extra inviting.
- Chili powder (1 tablespoon): For that classic Tex-Mex warmth and irresistible smoky character.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Earthy notes that round out the spices and evoke the best Mexican flavors.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds vibrant color and mild pepperiness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Brings all the flavors to life.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A dash of gentle heat for balance.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into an ooey-gooey blanket that brings everything together.
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges for garnish (optional): Adds freshness and zing that makes the flavors pop!
How to Make Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and give it a few minutes to soften and become fragrant; you want it just translucent and sweet. Follow up with the minced garlic, letting it sizzle for about 30 seconds until your kitchen starts to smell absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef right into the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir and crumble until there’s not a speck of pink left and the meat is browned and juicy. If you notice excess grease, go ahead and carefully drain it off to keep the dish just right.
Step 3: Build the Rice Base
With the beef ready, stir in your uncooked long-grain rice. Then add the undrained diced tomatoes, black beans, hearty beef broth, and sweet frozen corn. The colors start to come together beautifully in the pan!
Step 4: Add Spices and Simmer
Now it’s time to sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a really good stir so all those flavors mingle. Bring the whole mixture to a gentle boil, then cover and let it simmer on low for 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will drink up all those zesty flavors, and the aroma is pure dinnertime happiness.
Step 5: Cheese It Up and Serve
Lift the lid and check that your rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top, then cover for another two or three minutes—the cheese melts into a glorious gooey layer. Finish off with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime if you like. Your Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice is ready to impress!
How to Serve Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice
Garnishes
Take things over the top by showering your Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, juicy lime wedges, or even a few sliced green onions. A dollop of sour cream or some diced avocado is always welcome, adding richness and a final pop of color that makes dinner feel special.
Side Dishes
This dish is already a whole meal on its own, but pairing it with warm tortillas, a crisp green salad, or some classic tortilla chips and salsa makes for an even more festive spread. Try roasted veggies or a simple guacamole for a fresh touch alongside the hearty skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop the Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice into burrito-sized tortillas and wrap them up for crowd-pleasing burritos. Or pile generous spoonfuls atop nacho chips and bake until bubbly for skillet nachos. Even stuffing it into bell peppers or serving in lettuce cups turns this dish into a totally new experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep fabulously and taste just as satisfying the next day. Let Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers; it’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it perfect for easy lunches and quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish if you want to plan ahead. Portion cooled Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, squeeze out any excess air, and freeze for up to two months. For best results, leave off the cheese until reheating, adding it fresh then for ultimate meltiness.
Reheating
To reheat, simply scoop your desired portion into a skillet or microwave-safe dish. Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it looks a bit dry. Top with extra cheese and pop a lid on until it gets warm and gooey once again!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely, brown rice is a great option! Just remember, it takes a bit longer to cook and will need a little extra broth to get perfectly tender, so increase the broth to about 2 cups and simmer until the grains are just right.
How can I make Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice spicier?
If you crave more heat, toss in a finely chopped jalapeño along with the onion, or add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spices. You can also top with sliced fresh chilies just before serving for an extra fiery kick!
Is Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice gluten-free?
Yes, Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice is naturally gluten-free as written! Just double-check your beef broth and spices to make sure there’s no sneaky wheat or additives if you’re serving someone with a gluten intolerance.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Definitely! Both ground turkey and chicken work beautifully in place of beef, making a slightly lighter but still flavorful version of this classic skillet meal.
What toppings go well with this dish?
Some of the best toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, a sprinkle of queso fresco, or a drizzle of hot sauce. Don’t forget those fresh cilantro leaves and a zesty squeeze of lime!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dependable, flavor-packed dinner, you simply have to give Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice a spot in your weekly meal routine. It’s cozy, customizable, and guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds. Gather your ingredients, warm up that skillet, and get ready for a weeknight dinner everyone will cheer for!
Print
Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice recipe is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines ground beef, rice, black beans, corn, and a blend of Mexican spices. Topped with melted cheese and garnished with cilantro and lime, it’s a satisfying and easy dinner option.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook onion and garlic: Add diced onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Cook beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add ingredients: Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, black beans, beef broth, corn, and spices.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until rice is tender.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle cheese over the top and cover until melted.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
- You can use brown rice, but adjust cooking time and liquid.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
