Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is a vibrant, hearty dish that brings together the savory flavors of seasoned beef, tender rice, and a medley of vegetables, all cooked in one skillet. The combination of beef, rice, and Mexican spices makes this dish both filling and packed with flavor. It’s easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and can be customized to suit different tastes or dietary preferences.

In this detailed guide, we will explore every element of this dish—its ingredients, preparation steps, tips for success, nutritional information, variations, and more. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this recipe will provide you with everything you need to make a delicious and comforting meal that the whole family will love.

History of Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

While Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet does not have a specific historical origin, it draws inspiration from classic Mexican cuisine, which is rich in bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a variety of ingredients like beef, rice, beans, corn, and peppers. Mexican cooking often combines various seasonings such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic to create mouthwatering dishes, and this skillet recipe is a perfect representation of those influences.

The use of a single skillet makes this dish convenient, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors of a traditional Mexican meal without spending hours in the kitchen or using multiple pots and pans.

Preparation Instructions for Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Heat the skillet: In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it browns. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink and is well-browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the onions and garlic: To the browned beef, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

2. Add the spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and salt and pepper. Stir everything to combine, allowing the spices to bloom and become fragrant in the hot skillet.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

1. Add the rice: Stir in 1 cup of long-grain white rice, coating the rice in the beef and spice mixture. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, to lightly toast the rice and intensify its flavor.

2. Add the liquids: Pour in the beef broth, and add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and diced green chilies. Stir to combine, making sure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid.

3. Bring to a simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed. If necessary, check the rice after 15 minutes and add a little more broth or water if it seems dry. If the rice is done but the liquid hasn’t fully absorbed, you can let it sit uncovered for a few minutes.

Step 4: Add the Corn

1. Stir in the corn: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the frozen corn kernels. They will thaw and heat through from the residual heat in the skillet. Mix everything together until the corn is well incorporated.

Step 5: Top with Cheese

1. Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the rice and beef mixture. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Once the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Top the dish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

2. Optional: For added creaminess, serve each portion with a dollop of sour cream.

Tips for Success

1. Use a deep skillet: Since this recipe requires cooking rice and liquids, it’s best to use a skillet that has high sides, or a sauté pan to contain everything without splattering.

2. Brown the beef well: Take the time to brown the beef properly; this caramelization adds a depth of flavor to the dish that helps elevate the overall taste.

3. Rinse the rice: If you’re using white rice, rinsing it under cold water before cooking will help remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming overly sticky.

4. Season well: Don’t skip the seasoning in this dish. The beef, rice, and vegetables need a good amount of salt, pepper, and spices to truly shine. Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

5. Add more vegetables: You can easily incorporate other vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even black beans, into the dish. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic at the start.

6. Control the heat: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder and diced green chilies. If you prefer a milder version, you can substitute the green chilies with bell peppers.

Variations of Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

1. Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner version, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken. You may need to add a little extra seasoning to make up for the leaner nature of these meats.

2. Vegetarian Version: Omit the beef and replace it with black beans, pinto beans, or extra vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. You can still add a little cheese on top to maintain the creamy texture.

3. Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or more diced green chilies to the beef and rice mixture. You could also drizzle the finished dish with hot sauce or sprinkle in cayenne pepper.

4. Mexican Rice Version: For a more traditional Mexican rice, swap the white rice for long-grain brown rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. You may need to adjust the cooking time and add a bit more broth if using brown rice.

5. Cheese Variation: While cheddar cheese is commonly used, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese like Mexican blend cheese, Monterey Jack, or Queso Blanco.

Serving Suggestions

1. Tacos or Burritos: You can turn the Beef and Rice Skillet into a taco or burrito filling. Just serve the mixture in warm tortillas and top with fresh salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

2. Side Dishes: Pair the skillet with a simple side salad of mixed greens, guacamole, or a Mexican corn salad to balance the richness of the dish.

3. Serve with Chips: For extra crunch, serve the dish with tortilla chips or as a dip for an appetizer-style meal.

4. Sautéed Veggies: Serve with a side of sautéed bell peppers or grilled corn on the cob for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

The Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is the perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd. With its rich flavors, quick prep, and easy cleanup, it’s a winner for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with additional vegetables or heat, it’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite. By combining ground beef, rice, and spices in one skillet, you’re creating a satisfying, nutritious meal in no time.

Enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish with your favorite toppings, and don’t forget to make extra—it’s even better the next day for lunch!

Yield: 4

Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

Print

Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is a vibrant, hearty dish that brings together the savory flavors of seasoned beef, tender rice, and a medley of vegetables, all cooked in one skillet. The combination of beef, rice, and Mexican spices makes this dish both filling and packed with flavor. It’s easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and can be customized to suit different tastes or dietary preferences.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning blend)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the vegetables: Stir in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Season the beef mixture: Add the taco seasoning, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the meat and vegetables are evenly coated with the spices.
4. Add rice and liquids: Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid.
5. Cook the rice: Reduce the heat to low and let it cook, covered, for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
6. Add corn: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the frozen corn and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
7. Optional cheese topping: If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet for a minute or two until the cheese melts.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for extra flavor.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or add jalapeños for more heat.
• Rice Variation: You can substitute white rice with brown rice, though you may need to increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes and use more liquid.
• Add-ins: For extra flavor, toss in some diced avocado, sour cream, or salsa when serving.