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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for the Mexican-inspired dish.
- Introduce ground beef to the pan, breaking it into crumbly pieces while cooking until it develops a rich, golden-brown color.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and aromatic garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Generously sprinkle taco seasoning into the skillet, then pour in beef broth, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and robust tomato paste, stirring to combine all flavors.
- 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.
- Liberally scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, covering the skillet to create a melted, gooey topping that infuses the dish with creamy richness.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- 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