Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet – The One-Pan Dinner You’ll Want Every Week
I don’t know about you, but I love dinners that are quick, filling, and full of flavor. That’s how I came up with this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet.
I wanted something that felt hearty like comfort food, but also had that bold kick of Mexican spices.
And guess what? This one-pan meal hits all the right notes – juicy beef, fluffy rice, beans, corn, melty cheese, and just the right amount of spice. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to cook again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This skillet meal is the definition of easy comfort food. Everything cooks in just one pan, so there’s no pile of dirty dishes waiting for you. Plus, it’s ready in about 30 minutes. The mix of beef, rice, tomatoes, and Mexican seasoning makes it flavorful, cheesy, and super satisfying. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and you can even adjust the spice level to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy for this dish. Most of the ingredients are simple and easy to find. Here’s what I use:
- Ground beef – lean ground beef works best.
- Rice – long-grain white rice or even instant rice if you want it faster.
- Onion & garlic – for that base flavor.
- Tomatoes – canned diced tomatoes or fresh if you like.
- Black beans – adds protein and fiber.
- Corn – sweet corn balances the spices.
- Cheese – cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Spices – chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Beef broth – helps cook the rice and adds flavor.
How to Make Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
This recipe is super simple. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet and brown the ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks, and drain any extra fat. Add onion and garlic for extra flavor.
Step 2: Add Rice and Seasonings
Stir in the uncooked rice, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. This step makes the rice soak up all the flavors.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Veggies
Pour in the beef broth and tomatoes. Stir everything together, then let it simmer until the rice is cooked. Toss in the corn and beans.
Step 4: Make it Cheesy
Once the rice is fluffy and tender, sprinkle cheese over the top. Cover the skillet for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Top it with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or even jalapeños if you like it spicy. Grab a spoon and dig in!
Tips to Make It Even Better
- If you like it spicy, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Swap beef with ground chicken, turkey, or sausage for variety.
- Use brown rice for a healthier version (but it takes longer to cook).
- Make it a burrito filling – just scoop into tortillas.
What to Serve With Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
This skillet meal is filling on its own, but you can make it even better with:
- Warm tortillas or tortilla chips
- Fresh guacamole or salsa
- A simple side salad
- Mexican street corn on the side
Storing and Reheating
This dish makes great leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it up in a skillet or microwave. You can even freeze it for up to 2 months – just thaw and reheat when you need a quick dinner.
FAQs About Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
Q: Can I use instant rice?
Yes! Instant rice works and makes the cooking time even faster. Just adjust the liquid so it doesn’t get mushy.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely. Just skip the beef and add extra beans or even tofu crumbles.
Q: What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt perfectly.
Q: Can I make it in advance?
Yes. Cook it fully, store in the fridge, and just reheat before serving. It tastes just as good.
Q: How do I keep the rice from sticking?
Make sure there’s enough liquid in the skillet and keep it covered while cooking. Stir gently so the rice doesn’t burn.
That’s it – a one-pan Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet that’s easy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a regular on your dinner table.
