This Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner is a one-pan meal that is full of flavor! With seasoned beef, rice, and colorful veggies, it’s a tasty dish that cooks all in one pot.
You won’t believe how quickly this comes together! It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss. Plus, who doesn’t love a good skillet recipe? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star protein of the dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work well too. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or lentils!
Rice: Long-grain white rice is great for this recipe, but you can swap it for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist. Just adjust the cooking liquid accordingly and allow extra time for the grains to cook.
Beef Broth: If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can substitute perfectly. Low-sodium versions are great to control the saltiness!
Canned Diced Tomatoes: If tomatoes with green chilies aren’t available, regular diced tomatoes with a little added chili powder or fresh jalapeños will still give you that nice kick.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Rice in This Skillet?
Cooking the rice evenly is key to making this dish flavorful. Here’s a foolproof method:
- When you stir in the rice and spices, let them toast for 1-2 minutes. This enhances the flavors.
- Pour in your broth and tomatoes, and bring the mixture to a boil first. This helps the rice cook evenly.
- Once boiling, quickly reduce the heat to low and cover it tightly. A good seal keeps the steam in, ensuring the rice cooks properly in about 15 minutes.
If you’re adding corn or beans, wait until the last 5 minutes. This way, they heat through without overcooking!
Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious one-pan meal takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it browned and fully cooked, which will take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook everything together until the onion becomes translucent and softened, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This adds a lovely flavor base to the dish!
3. Toast the Rice and Spices:
Now, stir in the rice along with the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toast everything together for about 1-2 minutes. This step enhances the spices and gives your rice great flavor.
4. Combine the Liquids:
Pour in the beef broth and the canned diced tomatoes (including their juices). Give it a good stir to combine everything well. This mixture brings so much taste and moisture to the dish!
5. Cook the Rice:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet tightly. Let everything simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. Smell that delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
6. Add Corn and Beans:
Just 5 minutes before the rice is done, stir in the frozen corn and black beans (if using). Cover again and continue cooking until everything is heated through.
7. Melt the Cheese:
Once it’s done cooking, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. This hearty meal is sure to be a hit at your dinner table! Enjoy every flavorful bite!
FAQ for Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner
Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you prefer a leaner option. For a vegetarian or vegan version, try crumbled tofu or even lentils as your protein source.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you’d like to reduce the heat, opt for mild canned tomatoes without green chilies instead of the spicy variety. You can also omit or reduce the chili powder. For extra spice, feel free to add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to your liking!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and cook the dish ahead of time, then store it in the fridge. Just reheat thoroughly before serving, and consider topping it with fresh cilantro and lime juice for added flavor!
