Looking for a weeknight dinner that pulls together incredible flavors, hearty satisfaction, and a whole lot of color—all in one pan? The Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that everyone at the table will be excited to dig into. The savory beef, perfectly tender rice, oozy melted cheddar, and pops of sweet corn come together with classic Mexican spices for a meal that’s as comforting as it is lively. It’s a dish I revisit again and again, both for its flavor and for how little cleanup is needed afterward!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple, but every ingredient earns its place and builds layers of taste, texture, and color. Each element plays a key role, so don’t skip the fresh garnishes for that final touch of brightness!
- Ground Beef: Classic choice for hearty flavor and protein; swap for turkey if you want a lighter version.
- Olive Oil: Helps brown the onions and beef, giving the base a silky, rich start.
- Yellow Onion: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and texture once sautéed.
- Garlic: Infuses the skillet with aromatic depth—don’t skimp!
- Long Grain White Rice: Soaks up all those amazing flavors, turning tender and fluffy as it cooks.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Brings a punchy lift and just a hint of heat (add extra chilies if you dare).
- Tomato Sauce: Offers tanginess and blends everything into a cohesive, saucy whole.
- Beef Broth: Gives the rice savory flavor as it simmers—choose low-sodium if you’re watching salt.
- Frozen Corn: Adds sweetness and a pop of color to every bite.
- Chili Powder: Just enough kick to make those flavors shine without overpowering.
- Ground Cumin: A warm, earthy note that gives the dish irresistible depth.
- Smoked Paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness that sets your skillet apart from the rest.
- Salt: Brings out the best in all your ingredients—taste as you go!
- Black Pepper: Gives a gentle background heat to round out the spices.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully over the top for that gooey, creamy finish.
- Fresh Cilantro (optional): A sprinkle over the top brings fresh color and a burst of herby flavor.
How to Make Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Begin by heating the olive oil in your largest skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the diced onion and let it cook for about 3–4 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Right at the end, add the minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds—this unlocks that inviting garlicky aroma and builds a foundation for the whole dish.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to your onion-garlic base, breaking it up with a spoon. Let it cook until every bit is browned—no gray beef hiding in the pan! If there’s a lot of grease, carefully drain off any excess. This step is all about building that flavor-packed meaty layer.
Step 3: Mix in Rice, Tomatoes, Corn, and Spices
Now comes the fun part. Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with green chilies (juice and all), tomato sauce, beef broth, frozen corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it all a good mix so the rice is evenly distributed and everything is swimming in those zesty flavors. You’re locking in the flavor profile for the Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Raise the heat and bring the skillet mixture to a gentle boil. As soon as it starts bubbling, drop the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it quietly simmer for 18–20 minutes. This is when the rice cooks through, tender and fluffy, while soaking up all those bold flavors. Resist peeking too much—you want the steam trapped inside!
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish
Once the rice is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, uncover the skillet and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top. Cover it back up, turn off the heat, and wait 2–3 glorious minutes for the cheese to melt into gooey perfection. Top with fresh cilantro if you like, and your Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is ready to shine!
How to Serve Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
You can dress up every serving with a shower of fresh cilantro, a few thinly sliced jalapeños, or even a squeeze of lime. Some sliced green onions or a dollop of sour cream add a creamy contrast and just the right pop of color to your skillet.
Side Dishes
This dish truly stands on its own, but if you’re in the mood for a full Mexican-inspired spread, consider serving warm flour tortillas, a crunchy green salad, or savory black beans alongside your skillet. Even tortilla chips make a fun, textural side for scooping up those beefy, cheesy bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, spoon your Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe into bell pepper halves before baking with extra cheese, or use it as a filling for burritos or stuffed zucchini. It’s also fantastic layered over a bed of shredded lettuce for a taco salad vibe, or scooped into small bowls for party-ready appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, scoop any leftover Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, making it a dream for those busy weeknight lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Place cooled portions in freezer-friendly bags or containers, labeled and dated. The flavors will hold up for 2–3 months in the freezer, just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply toss your leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. A splash of broth can perk up the texture. The microwave works too—cover with a damp paper towel to keep it nice and moist.
FAQs
Can I make this with brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook—add at least 20 more minutes of simmer time, and check the liquid level along the way, adding extra broth as needed so nothing sticks.
What else can I add to boost the veggies?
Feel free to stir in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach in the last few minutes of cooking. It’s a great way to sneak in extra flavor, fiber, and color without overpowering the Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe.
Will ground turkey work instead of beef?
Yes! Swap in ground turkey for a leaner, lighter option. The recipe will still be rich and satisfying, and you can season it as bold as you like.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It is, as long as you double-check the labels on your canned tomatoes, broth, and spices to be sure no gluten-containing additives have snuck in.
How spicy is this recipe—and how can I make it hotter?
It comes with a gentle warmth from the chilies and spices, but if you love extra heat, toss in diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or even a few dashes of hot sauce. Adjust spice levels to suit your crowd!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s both craveable and crowd-pleasing, give the Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe a spot in your next dinner lineup. The easy one-pan method means less stress and more flavor, leaving you with more time to gather around the table and enjoy every last cheesy, spicy bite!
Print
Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet 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
A delicious and easy one-pan meal, this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is a flavorful dish loaded with ground beef, rice, corn, and cheese, seasoned with Mexican spices and topped with melted cheddar. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 ¾ cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic.
- Cook the Beef: Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in rice, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, corn, and spices. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar over the top, cover and let melt.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- You can use ground turkey for a leaner option or brown rice with adjusted cooking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
