Description
This Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice recipe is a flavorful, one-pan dish perfect for an easy family dinner. Ground beef is cooked with vibrant vegetables, aromatic spices, and simmered with rice to create a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal bursting with Mexican-inspired flavors. Ready in just 45 minutes, it combines protein, veggies, and carbs for a balanced dish enjoyed by all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 ounces)
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
Spices
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper thoroughly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Incorporate Beans and Corn: Stir in the rinsed black beans and corn kernels. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until heated through.
- Melt Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, then cover for 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an added burst of freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or increase chili powder to taste.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach along with onion and bell pepper for a more nutrient-rich one-pan meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and reheat nicely for next-day lunches or dinners.
- Use gluten-free beef broth and spices to keep this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
