Quick Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe That Wows Every Time

Whipping up a mouthwatering mexican beef and rice skillet never felt so effortless!

Savory aromas will dance through your kitchen, promising a meal that sparks instant excitement.

Comfort meets convenience in this one-pan wonder that simplifies weeknight cooking.

Lean ground beef mingles with perfectly seasoned rice, creating layers of robust flavor.

Colorful ingredients transform an ordinary dinner into a celebration of zesty goodness.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this delicious dish comes together with minimal cleanup.

Each forkful promises a hearty, satisfying experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible culinary creation.

Skillet Dinner Variations for Fun

• Vegetarian Fiesta Bowl: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils, keeping all other ingredients the same for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Skillet: Swap rice with riced cauliflower to create a keto-friendly alternative that's low in carbohydrates and high in nutrients.
• Chicken Southwestern Skillet: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or diced chicken breast for a lighter protein option with similar flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Quinoa Skillet: Replace rice with quinoa and use a gluten-free taco seasoning to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Up Your Beef & Rice Skillet

• Fiesta Plate Presentation: Top with fresh chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
• Zesty Topping Twist: Add a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch and creaminess.
• Spice It Up: Serve with hot sauce on the side, letting diners customize their heat level and add an extra kick to the hearty skillet meal.
• Sidekick Companions: Pair with a crisp side salad or warm corn tortillas to round out the complete Mexican-inspired dining experience.

How to Store Skillet Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled skillet to freezer-safe container. Wrap securely and freeze up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Sprinkle additional broth or water to restore moisture. Stir occasionally and heat until steaming hot throughout.

FAQs

• What kind of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Choose lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to ensure good flavor and prevent excess grease.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust cooking liquid and time since brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes you use. For milder flavor, choose mild versions or reduce the amount of seasoning.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use ground turkey instead of beef, choose low-sodium taco seasoning, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrients.

One-Skillet Mexican Magic: Beef & Rice

• Quickly Prepare Weeknight Dinner: This one-pan marvel transforms ground beef, rice, and simple ingredients into a hearty meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Easily swap taco seasoning, add different cheeses, or include extra vegetables to make the recipe uniquely yours while keeping the core method consistent.
• Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Packed with familiar Mexican-inspired tastes that appeal to both kids and adults, this skillet dish guarantees clean plates and satisfied smiles around the dinner table.
• Budget-Conscious Cooking: Utilizes affordable pantry staples and economical ground beef to create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on taste or satisfaction.

What’s in Mexican Beef & Rice Skillet?

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the skillet meal.
• Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that adds authentic Mexican-style flavor to the dish.

• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic base for the skillet.

• Beef Broth: Creates moisture and enhances the savory taste of the dish.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Adds a zesty and slightly spicy tomato element.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Rice: Serves as the main starch and helps absorb the flavorful liquid.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a creamy, melted topping that adds richness.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and provides a light, smooth cooking base.

How to Make a Flavorful Mexican Skillet

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a perfect sizzling foundation for your Mexican-inspired meal.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles using a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns a rich, golden brown color and no pink remains.

Step 3: Infuse With Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet, savory fragrance.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

• Taco seasoning
• Beef broth
• Rotel tomatoes
• Tomato paste

Mix thoroughly to combine all the vibrant seasonings and create a robust sauce.

Step 5: Cook The Rice

Add rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with the seasoned mixture.

Bring the entire dish to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer until rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid, creating a one-pot wonder.

Step 6: Melt The Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the skillet.

Cover and let the cheese melt into a gooey, golden blanket that adds creamy richness to the dish.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Remove from heat and serve the skillet directly to the table.

This hearty, flavor-packed meal is ready to be devoured by hungry diners.

Tips for Perfect Skillet Dinners

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the taco seasoning for a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Rinse rice before adding to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains in the final dish.
• Double the recipe and store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days, making quick weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Toss in diced bell peppers or corn during cooking to increase nutritional value and add extra color and crunch.
• Swap Rotel tomatoes with mild or hot versions depending on your heat preference, or use fresh diced tomatoes for a milder taste.

Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican beef and rice skillet delivers a flavor explosion of zesty spices and hearty ingredients. Comfort meets fiesta in this one-pan wonder that brings authentic Mexican cuisine straight to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 ounce can rotel tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ounce package taco seasoning (preferably low sodium)
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)

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Instructions

1. Warm the olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for the Mexican-inspired dish.
2. Introduce ground beef to the pan, breaking it into crumbly pieces while cooking until it develops a rich, golden-brown color.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and aromatic garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
4. Generously sprinkle taco seasoning into the skillet, then pour in beef broth, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and robust tomato paste, stirring to combine all flavors.
5. Gently fold in rice, allowing the mixture to reach a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low, covering and simmering for approximately 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is completely absorbed.
6. Liberally scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, covering the skillet to create a melted, gooey topping that infuses the dish with creamy richness.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
8. Serve immediately while piping hot, garnishing with optional fresh cilantro or green onions for an extra burst of color and flavor.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier, lower-fat version of the dish.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost fiber and nutrient content, though cooking time might need adjustment.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free or make your own blend from individual spices.
• Enhance meal’s nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or black beans during the cooking process for extra protein and vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg