Busy weeknight? One pan. Bold flavor. Zero stress.”
The Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is everything you want in a dinner: hearty ground beef, tender rice, zesty spices, and melty cheese — all cooked together in a single skillet. No mountain of dishes, no complicated steps, just pure comfort food with a south-of-the-border twist. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or meal prep, this dish brings big flavor with minimal effort.
🌮 Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
🔸 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔸 Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
🔸 Total Time: 35–40 minutes
🔸 Servings: 4–6
✨ Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 ½ cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add Aromatics
- Add diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add Rice & Liquids
- Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, corn (if using), and all spices.
- Mix well and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer & Cook
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–22 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Top with Cheese
- Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Cover again for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.
6. Garnish & Serve
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime, if desired.
- Serve hot, right from the skillet!
💡 Tips & Variations
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
- Add beans: Black beans or pinto beans go great in this dish.
- Low-carb version? Swap rice for cauliflower rice (reduce liquid accordingly).
- Meal prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and is freezer-friendly.
To discover more amazing recipes like Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe, check out our previous article for more delicious food ideas!
