Mexican Beef And Rice Skillet

This Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is an easy one-pan dinner the whole family will love. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, rice, black beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes and plenty of melted cheese for a hearty meal that’s full of flavor.

This is one recipe you want to keep in your regular dinner rotation because it’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and uses everyday pantry staples. Everything cooks together in one skillet, making cleanup quick and easy after a busy day.

It’s also perfect for meal prep. Make a batch at the beginning of the week, divide it into individual containers, and you’ll have delicious lunches or quick dinners ready to go. It reheats beautifully and is filling enough to keep you satisfied for hours.

This dinner is easy to customize. You can top it with sliced avocado, jalapenos, sour cream, fresh cilantro, green onions, crushed tortilla chips or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to make it however you want it.

If you’re looking for more easy weeknight dinners that’s ready in about 40 minutes and only dirties one pan, try my Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet or Sausage, Peppers, and Onions.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is what I used to keep the dish hearty without being overly greasy.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onion and minced garlic.
• Onion: Yellow onion for sweetness and diced.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds color, texture and a touch of sweetness.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor but minced can also be used.
• Rice: Instant white rice is what I used to save on time.
• Beef Broth: Adds richness while cooking the rice.
• Rotel: Diced tomatoes with green chilies adds flavor. Mild or hot can be used.
• Tomato Sauce: This can be optional but creates a rich, savory sauce.
• Corn: Adds sweetness and texture.
• Black Beans: A great source of protein and fiber.
• Cheese: I used a Mexican cheese blend but any of your favorite shredded cheese will work for this recipe.
• Seasonings: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
• Fresh Cilantro & Green Onions: Optional but adds freshness and color.

How to Make Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until translucent.

Step 2: Add the ground beef, season it with the seasonings and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Add the diced bell pepper and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Add beef broth and rice and stir together. Cover and simmer for about 1 minute.

Step 5: Add tomato sauce, beans, corn and Rotel to the skillet. Stir, cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Remove lid, sprinkle with shredded cheese evenly over top. Cover for about 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Step 7: Garnish with cilantro and green onions if desired and serve warm.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken.
• Use pinto beans instead of black beans.
• Add diced zucchini and squash for extra vegetables.
• Stir in a can of green chilies for extra heat.
• Replace white rice with brown rice, but increase the cooking time and broth as needed.

Helpful Tips

• Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
• Keep the skillet covered while simmering so the rice cooks evenly.
• If the rice isn’t quite tender, add ¼ cup more broth, cover and simmer for a few extra minutes.
• Freshly shred your cheese for the smoothest melt.
• Let the skillet rest for about 5 minutes before servings so everything thickens.

Frequently Asked Questions

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