Ever find yourself staring at a package of ground beef, wondering how to transform it into something extraordinary? Let me introduce you to this game-changing Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet recipe that’s about to become your new weeknight hero. This one-pan wonder combines perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a crown of melted cheese that creates the most mesmerizing cheese pulls you’ve ever seen.
What Is Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet?
Think of this as your favorite taco filling and Mexican rice joining forces in one spectacular skillet. It’s what happens when you take all the best parts of a burrito bowl and transform them into a cozy, cheese-topped casserole. They say the way to a family’s heart is through their stomach, and this dish proves that saying true with every bite.
This isn’t just another ground beef recipe – it’s a complete meal that brings together protein, grains, and vegetables in one harmonious dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
Perfect One-Pan Solution
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Everything cooks together in one pan, including the rice, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with your family. The rice soaks up all the flavorful juices from the meat and seasonings, creating layers of flavor that would be impossible to achieve if cooked separately.
Budget-Friendly Comfort
Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and beans, this recipe stretches your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor. The addition of black beans not only adds extra protein but also helps make the dish more filling and nutritious.
Customizable Toppings
What really makes this dish special is how easily it can be customized. From fresh avocado and diced tomatoes to zesty pico de gallo and cilantro, each family member can top their portion exactly how they like it, making dinner time both fun and personal.
How to Make Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
Quick Overview
This 30-minute meal combines seasoned ground beef with rice, beans, and corn, all cooked together in one pan until the rice is tender and then topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. The result is a perfectly balanced dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Key Ingredients for Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
- Ground beef (80/20 or 85/15): Provides rich flavor and protein
- Jasmine rice: Creates a tender, fluffy base
- Black beans: Adds extra protein and fiber
- Corn: Brings natural sweetness and texture
- Rotel tomatoes: Delivers both tomato flavor and a hint of heat
- Mexican cheese blend: Creates that irresistible cheese pull
- Taco seasoning: Infuses the dish with Mexican flavors
- Chicken stock: Helps cook the rice while adding flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by rinsing your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures perfectly cooked rice.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with a spatula, cooking until just no longer pink (about 3 minutes).
- Add diced onion to the beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes with their juices, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Add the rinsed rice, black beans, and corn to the skillet, followed by the chicken stock and salt. Stir gently to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.
- Top with a generous layer of cheese, cover, and let it melt from the residual heat.
What to Serve Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet With
This dish is truly a meal in itself, but you can enhance it with various toppings:
- Diced avocado or guacamole for creaminess
- Fresh diced tomatoes or pico de gallo for brightness
- Chopped cilantro for freshness
- Sour cream for tang
- Sliced jalapeños for extra heat
- Lime wedges for a citrus kick
Top Tips for Perfecting Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
- Rice Rinsing: Don’t skip rinsing the rice – it’s crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
- Meat Selection: While 80/20 ground beef provides the best flavor, you can use leaner beef if preferred.
- Cheese Choice: Feel free to experiment with cheese combinations. A mix of mozzarella and cheddar works great if you don’t have Mexican cheese blend.
- Heat Level: Adjust the heat by using mild or hot Rotel tomatoes according to your preference.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
- For best results, add fresh toppings after reheating.
Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This one-pan, 30-minute dinner is a family favorite. Packed with protein and loaded with flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 Tbsp taco seasoning
½ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
10 oz can Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilis (Original)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn, rinsed (frozen or canned)
¾ cup jasmine rice, rinsed and drained
2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
2 cups Mexican cheese (Colby jack, mozzarella, or cheddar)
Instructions
- Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 3 minutes.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in taco seasoning and combine well.
- Add Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and rice. Stir to combine.
- Pour in chicken stock and season with salt. Bring to a light boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is cooked.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle cheese on top, and cover until melted.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Calories: 586
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
