Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

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This Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you’re craving an easy meal that the entire family will love! It’s a one-pan wonder with simple ingredients and just 35 minutes to the table. A definite keeper!

Are you looking for more one-skillet meals? Try our Easy Rotel Pasta, or Homemade Hamburger Helper, or Taco Meat Recipe.

Mexican rice skillet with a fork.

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I love easy recipes, especially when life gets hectic! This Mexican rice is the perfect solution for those crazy weeknights. It’s a fun twist on Taco Tuesday, packed with all the Mexican flavors we love, but without the fuss.

It’s so simple to throw together, and the best part? You only need one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!

What you’ll love about this Mexican Rice Skillet:  


  • ONE-SKILLET WONDER – This dish combines beef, rice, and cheese into one easy meal, meaning fewer dishes to clean!
  • EASY TO MAKE – This cheesy Mexican beef dish is easy to prepare, and convenient, it’s a one-skillet dinner!
  • FAMILY-FRIENDLY – It’s a crowd-pleaser with lots of flavor that’s perfect for taco night, busy weeknights, or dinner tonight.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing this amazing Beef and Rice:

INGREDIENT NOTES:

  • Ground Beef: You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Rice: Regular white rice works best, but you can use brown rice—just adjust the cooking time.
  • Cheese: Colby Jack adds a creamy, melty finish, but cheddar or pepper jack would be delicious too.

HOW TO MAKE MEXICAN RICE AND BEEF SKILLET: STEP-BY-STEP

Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.

  • STEP 1: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with onions and bell pepper over medium heat until the beef is brown. Drain any excess fat.
  • STEP 2: Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Process shot for cooking mexican beef and rice witih ground beef, onion and peppers.
  • STEP 3: Reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  • STEP 4: Stir in the frozen corn and cook until the corn is heated through.
  • STEP 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dish. Cover for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.
  • STEP 6: Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro, and serve with sour cream, hot sauce, or your favorite toppings like pico de gallo for extra flavor.

Pro Tip:

For added crunch, serve with corn chips or tortillas on the side, and sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top for that gooey, cheesy goodness.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator, in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of beef broth if the rice has dried out.

Freezing: You can freeze this Mexican ground beef skillet in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.

Additions & Substitutions

ADDITIONS:

  • Green chilies: Add extra heat and flavor by tossing in a can of green chilies or fire-roasted tomatoes.
  • Beans: Stir in black beans or refried beans for a heartier meal.
  • Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, pico de gallo, or even a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness

SUBSTITUTIONS:

  • Ground beef: Substitute with ground pork, ground chicken, or even turkey for a lighter option.
  • Vegetables: Feel free to use bell peppers, green onions, or even add extra corn if you want to mix it up.

FAQs about this Mexican Beef Rice Skillet: 

Absolutely! Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for more heat.

Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering, and use a non-stick skillet or add a little extra olive oil to help prevent sticking.

What Can I Serve with this Mexican Skillet?

Serve this recipe Ground Beef and Rice with sour cream, hot sauce, and taco shells make for a complete meal. Pair it with a side of refried beans or a green salad, or use corn tortillas for a fun taco twist!

A close-up view of a Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet meal with melted cheese, black beans, corn, and fresh cilantro, with a fork digging in.

Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Vicky Hadley~Little Chef Within
This Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you’re craving an easy meal that the entire family will love!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course 30 minutes meals, dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 servings
Calories 418 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 15 ounce can black beans drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • Fresh cilantro chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with onions, and bell pepper until beef is brown. Drain any excess grease.
  • Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season the mixture with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer until the rice is cooked through, which typically takes about 20 minutes. You might need to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Once the rice is tender, stir in the frozen corn and black beans. Cook until the corn and beans are heated through.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheeses over the top of the dish. Cover the skillet for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Pro Tip:

For fluffy rice in your Skillet Beef and Rice, avoid stirring too much once it’s simmering. This prevents the rice from becoming mushy and helps it cook evenly.

Nutrition

Calories: 418kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 26gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 997mgPotassium: 624mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1627IUVitamin C: 44mgCalcium: 147mgIron: 3mg
Keyword 30 minute meals, beef, gluten free, ground beef, mexican, one-pot meal, rice
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2 Comments

  1. Scrumptious and yum indeed.
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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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