Name: Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 1/2 cups beef broth; 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup frozen corn; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; lime wedges, for serving

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If there’s one weeknight meal that always guarantees empty plates and smiling faces, it’s Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. This glorious one-pan wonder bursts with layers of flavor—tender ground beef, zesty tomatoes, fluffy rice, and a colorful medley of black beans and corn all tied together with bold, smoky spices and gooey cheddar. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and ridiculously easy to prepare, making it an ultimate go-to for busy evenings, casual gatherings, or anytime you’re craving comfort with a south-of-the-border twist.

Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple ingredients coming together for big, bold flavor. Each item here truly matters—contributing depth, texture, and vibrant color to Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe.

Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and sautés the onions with just a hint of richness.
Ground beef: The star protein—choose 80/20 for maximum flavor and juiciness.
Yellow onion: Diced onion adds natural sweetness and a hearty base.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic gives the dish fragrant, punchy notes.
Long-grain white rice: Absorbs all the saucy goodness while staying fluffy—not mushy.
Diced tomatoes (canned): Brings tang, juiciness, and color—but don’t drain them; that liquid is gold.
Beef broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth and keeps everything moist while it cooks.
Black beans: Offers creaminess, extra protein, and a bit of earthiness.
Frozen corn: Adds bursts of sweetness and gorgeous yellow color.
Chili powder: The backbone of the spice blend—gives the whole dish a warm, smoky kick.
Ground cumin: Adds warmth and the distinctly Mexican flavor profile you want in every bite.
Smoked paprika: Lends a subtle, deep smokiness that elevates everything.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors forward without overpowering them.
Black pepper: Gives just the right touch of heat and balance.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy perfection on top, making each serving irresistible.
Fresh cilantro: Sprinkled on top for unbeatable freshness and color.
Lime wedges: The final burst of brightness—don’t skip this garnish!

How to Make Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by heating the olive oil in your largest, sturdiest skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the ground beef and break it up as it cooks. Give it about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beautifully browned. If you see a lot of grease, feel free to drain off the excess at this point, but leave enough for flavor. This step lays the rich, meaty foundation for your Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic straight into the sizzling beef. Sauté this mixture for another 2 to 3 minutes—just until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This duo infuses every nook and cranny of the skillet with flavor, forming an irresistible aromatic base.

Step 3: Add Rice, Veggies, and Spices

Now, it’s time to pile in the long-grain rice, undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a big, thorough stir so the rice is coated in all those wonderful spices and the liquid is evenly distributed. This step is where Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe starts to look like a feast in the making.

Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect

Crank up the heat to bring it all to a gentle boil, then immediately dial it down to low. Cover your skillet tightly and let it simmer away for 18 to 20 minutes. During this time, the rice soaks up all the flavors, the veggies become tender, and the aroma will have everyone circling the kitchen. The dish is ready when the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Garnish

Take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle that glorious mound of shredded cheddar all over the top. Cover the skillet for another 2 to 3 minutes to let the cheese melt into gooey perfection. Just before serving, shower the whole creation with freshly chopped cilantro and hand out lime wedges on the side. With this final flourish, your Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is ready to shine!

How to Serve Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Garnishes

No bowl is complete without a pop of color and brightness. I love a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro for herbal zing, plus a squeeze of lime right before eating. For extra flair, you could also add sliced avocado, diced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream—each takes this already-amazing dish to new heights.

Side Dishes

Turn your meal into a full-on fiesta! Serve your Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe with a crisp green salad, warm flour or corn tortillas, or a scoop of creamy guacamole. Chips and salsa are always a hit, and a quick side of sautéed peppers or refried beans creates an even heartier spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Change things up by spooning the beef and rice mixture into taco shells for super-stuffed tacos, layering it into burritos, or tucking it into roasted bell peppers for a gorgeous edible bowl. However you plate it, each bite will be full of flavor and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a dream! Let any extras cool completely, then spoon them into an airtight container. They’ll stay perfectly fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days without losing their vibrant texture or taste.

Freezing

This recipe also freezes beautifully. Divide into individual portions, pop them into freezer-friendly containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the tastiest results, reheat your Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe gently on the stove with a splash of broth to prevent drying out. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until steaming hot. Sprinkle on some fresh cilantro and cheese to refresh the flavors before serving.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You absolutely can! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may need extra broth. Adjust the cooking time to about 35 to 40 minutes, and add more liquid as necessary until the rice is tender and plump.

What if I want the dish spicier?

Craving extra heat? Add diced fresh jalapeño with the onions, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce when serving. Smoked chipotle powder also works wonders for a fiery, smoky punch.

Can I make this with ground turkey or chicken?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter but still tasty spin on Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. Just be sure to watch the meat closely as these leaner options cook a bit faster.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just check your spices and broth labels to be sure there are no hidden gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I add other veggies?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or baby spinach with the rice mixture for extra nutrients and color. Just use what you have on hand and make it your own!

Final Thoughts

If you want a crowd-pleasing meal that’s quick, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor, let Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe become your new weeknight staple. Trust me, one bite and you’ll see why I always keep this recipe in my back pocket—give it a try and watch those plates come back wiped clean!

Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice is a flavorful one-pan meal packed with ground beef, rice, black beans, corn, and a blend of Mexican spices. Topped with melted cheese, cilantro, and served with lime wedges, this dish is a comforting and satisfying dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice

Additional Ingredients:

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook ground beef until browned.
Add Aromatics: Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in rice, tomatoes, broth, beans, corn, and spices. Simmer until rice is tender.
Melt Cheese and Garnish: Top with cheese, cover to melt. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.