Discover the ultimate weeknight hero with this incredible one-pan Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet! Bursting with bold flavors, satisfying beef, and fluffy rice, this recipe is designed for ease, speed, and maximum deliciousness. Perfect for busy families or anyone craving a hearty, flavorful meal without a mountain of dishes. This dish has garnered rave reviews for its simplicity and authentic taste, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Beef and Rice Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: All the cooking happens in a single pot or skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
• Incredibly Flavorful: A rich blend of taco seasoning, savory beef broth, and chunky salsa creates a dynamic taste profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
• Quick & Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time, you can have a wholesome, homemade meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is packed with ingredients that appeal to all ages, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite toppings and additions to suit any dietary preference or craving.

Recipe Overview

This Mexican Beef and Rice recipe masterfully combines seasoned ground beef, aromatic vegetables, fluffy basmati rice, and a zesty salsa base, all simmered together in one pan. The result is a vibrant, satisfying dish that delivers on flavor without the fuss. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you want something hearty and homemade but are short on time.

By: Julia Pacheco

Ingredients for Your Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Gather these simple yet powerful ingredients to create this delectable dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors of this Mexican-inspired meal.

• 1 tbs olive oil: For sautéing and adding a rich base.
• 1 white onion, diced: Provides a foundational aromatic sweetness.
• 1 tbs minced garlic: Essential for depth of flavor in Mexican cuisine.
• 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base of our skillet; feel free to use lean ground beef.
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color. Any color bell pepper will work!
• 2 tbs tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and adds richness to the sauce.
• 2 tbs taco seasoning: The key to authentic Mexican-inspired spices. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
• 1 dash salt and pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
• ¾ cup basmati rice: Known for its long, slender grains and fluffy texture, it absorbs flavors beautifully. Other long-grain rice varieties can also be used.
• 1 ½ cups beef broth: Provides liquid for the rice to cook and infuses the dish with savory beef notes. Vegetable broth can be substituted.
• ¾ cup chunky salsa: Adds a fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy kick. Choose your favorite mild or medium variety.
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed: Contributes protein, fiber, and a classic Mexican ingredient.
• 1 cup frozen sweet corn: For a touch of sweetness and additional texture. No need to thaw beforehand.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet that will impress everyone at your table.

1. Brown the Aromatics and Beef: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced white onion and sauté for approximately 2 minutes, or until it begins to soften and become translucent. Next, add the ground beef and minced garlic to the pot. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook until it is completely browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pot to ensure your dish isn’t overly oily. This step is crucial for building a strong flavor base.
2. Add Bell Pepper: Stir in the diced yellow bell pepper and cook for about 1 minute, allowing it to slightly soften and release its sweetness without becoming mushy. This adds a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor to the mix.
3. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the tomato paste, taco seasoning, a dash of salt and pepper (adjust to your preference), basmati rice, beef broth, chunky salsa, drained and rinsed black beans, and frozen sweet corn. Give everything a really good stir, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and the rice is evenly distributed at the bottom of the pot.
4. Simmer and Cook the Rice: Once the mixture begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Continue to cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. The key here is patience; don’t rush the rice! If the rice isn’t quite tender but the liquid is gone, add a splash more broth and continue simmering, covered, for a few more minutes.
5. Serve and Garnish: Once the rice is perfectly cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to steam to perfection. Serve immediately, topped generously with your favorite garnishes such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños for a kick, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack are great choices), or fresh cilantro.

Serving Suggestions

This Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and toppings to enhance the experience. Consider these delicious additions:

• Classic Toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, avocado slices or guacamole, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
• Dairy Delights: A dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or Mexican crema. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija cheese.
• Extra Kick: A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who love extra spice.
• On the Side: Serve alongside warm tortillas (corn or flour) for wrapping, a simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette, or a side of refried beans.

Variations & Customizations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Its adaptable nature makes it perfect for customizing to your taste or what you have on hand.

• Protein Swap: Instead of ground beef, try ground chicken, turkey, or pork. For a vegetarian option, double the black beans, add pinto beans, or incorporate sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
• Spice It Up: Add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the onion, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of chipotle powder for smoky heat.
• Veggie Boost: Incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, diced carrots, or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Cheese Please: Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend) right after cooking and let it melt into the rice for extra creaminess.
• Different Rice: While basmati is recommended for its texture, you can experiment with long-grain white rice, brown rice (adjust cooking time and liquid accordingly), or even quinoa.

Tips for Success

• Drain Grease: Don’t skip draining the excess grease from the ground beef. This prevents the dish from becoming greasy and heavy.
• Don’t Peek: Resist the urge to lift the lid too often while the rice is simmering. This allows the steam to properly cook the rice and ensures a fluffy result.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before adding the rice and adjust salt, pepper, or taco seasoning as needed. Remember that broth and salsa already contain sodium.
• Fluff the Rice: After the rice has cooked and rested, use a fork to gently fluff it before serving. This separates the grains and enhances the texture.
• Rice Type Matters: Basmati rice cooks up light and fluffy. If using a different type of rice, you might need to slightly adjust the liquid amount or cooking time based on package instructions.

Storage & Reheating

This dish is fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers!

• Storage: Allow any leftover Mexican Beef and Rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, this dish freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. For larger batches, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too dry, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?

A: Yes, you can! Keep in mind that brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time (usually around 40-45 minutes) compared to white rice. Adjust the amount of beef broth accordingly and monitor for doneness.

Q: How can I make this dish spicier?

A: To increase the heat, you can add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper when sautéing the onion, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra chili powder with the taco seasoning, or serve with your favorite hot sauce.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring your taco seasoning and beef broth are certified gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

A: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are fantastic! You can chop all your vegetables ahead of time to minimize prep on the day of cooking.

Q: What if I don’t have chunky salsa?

A: You can use any type of salsa you have on hand. If you only have smooth salsa, you might consider adding a few diced tomatoes to add some texture.

Watch the Recipe Video

See how easy it is to make this fantastic one-pan meal by watching the video below!

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of this delicious Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet. Please note that this information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation, as values can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

• Calories: 493 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 64mg
• Sodium: 727mg
• Potassium: 815mg
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 5g
• Vitamin A: 511 IU
• Vitamin C: 50mg
• Calcium: 67mg
• Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.