Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is a quick, flavorful, and hearty one-pan meal that combines seasoned ground beef, rice, vegetables, and classic Mexican spices in a single skillet. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights because it’s easy to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers big flavor in a short amount of time.

What makes this recipe so satisfying is the balance of textures and flavors: tender, savory beef; perfectly cooked, fluffy rice; and colorful vegetables, all brought together with a zesty, slightly smoky seasoning blend. It’s reminiscent of your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes but simplified into a wholesome, family-friendly skillet meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet because it’s versatile, quick, and bursting with flavor. The combination of spices—cumin, chili powder, paprika—creates a warm, comforting taste, while the vegetables and rice add texture and substance. It’s also a recipe that everyone enjoys, from kids to adults, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

It’s also highly adaptable: you can change the vegetables, swap the beef for another protein, or adjust the seasonings to make it spicier or milder. The fact that it all cooks in one skillet makes cleanup a breeze, which is always a win in my book.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• One-pan meal with minimal cleanup.
• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknights.
• Packed with flavor and hearty enough to be a complete meal.
• Highly adaptable to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
• Can be easily doubled or portioned for meal prep.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving
• Course: Main
• Cuisine: Mexican / American

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional)
• Optional garnish: chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges

Cooking Directions

1. Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
3. Add rice and seasonings: Stir in uncooked rice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until rice is coated with spices and combined with beef and vegetables.
4. Add liquid and tomatoes: Pour in beef broth and add diced tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
5. Add corn and beans: Stir in corn and black beans (if using) during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
6. Add cheese (optional): Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet, cover, and allow it to melt for 2–3 minutes before serving.
7. Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or lime wedges if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, cook until browned, and drain excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add diced onion, red and green bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Rice and Spices
Stir in uncooked rice and seasonings, coating the rice evenly.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Tomatoes
Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15–20 minutes.

Step 5: Add Corn and Beans
Stir in corn and black beans (if using) in the last 5 minutes.

Step 6: Add Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover, and allow to melt.

Step 7: Serve
Garnish with cilantro, lime, or jalapeños as desired.

How to Serve

• Serve directly from the skillet for a family-style meal.
• Pair with a side of guacamole or sour cream.
• Serve with warm tortillas for a taco-style dinner.

Recipe Tips

• Rice cooking: Ensure the rice is covered with liquid and simmer gently to avoid burning.
• Protein swaps: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles can be used instead of beef.
• Vegetable variations: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Spice level: Adjust chili powder and paprika to taste. Add fresh jalapeños for more heat.
• Cheese: Use your favorite melting cheese or omit for a lighter version.

Variations

1. Spicy Mexican Beef and Rice: Add chopped jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper.
2. Cheesy Skillet: Top with extra cheese and serve with tortilla chips.
3. One-Pot Meal Prep: Double the recipe and portion into meal prep containers for easy lunches.
4. Vegetable-Packed: Increase bell peppers and add corn, zucchini, or peas.
5. Low-Carb Version: Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Conclusion

Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is a flavorful, hearty, and convenient one-pan meal that combines tender seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables in a zesty Mexican-inspired dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual dinners, it’s easy to make, versatile, and loved by the whole family. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a quick and satisfying dinner.