Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 29 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together in a flash, the Mexican Beef Rice Skillet (Quick and Easy) Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brilliantly blends savory ground beef with vibrant veggies, hearty rice, and classic Mexican spices, all cooked in one pan for a no-fuss dinner that feels like a fiesta on your plate. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a satisfying, colorful meal without a mountain of dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a stainless steel pan with a handle, there are four main layers: a thick, square-shaped raw red meat layer in the center, topped with a small dollop of pale yellow minced garlic and some small white chopped onions; to the top left, a pile of bright yellow diced bell peppers; to the bottom left, a heap of red diced bell peppers; and to the bottom right, a mound of white chopped onions. Around the pan, bowls with fresh green cilantro, red cherry tomatoes, black olives, yellow corn, and shredded orange cheese sit on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but pack a punch in taste and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the tender beef and fragrant spices to the fresh vegetables that add brightness and color.

  • 1 pound ground beef: The rich, savory foundation of this skillet that brings heartiness to every bite.
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper: Contributes vibrant color and a subtle, sweet crunch.
  • 1 cup diced yellow bell pepper: Provides a cheerful pop of color and a delicate, fruity note.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a punch of aroma and savory complexity.
  • 15 ounces can petite diced tomatoes undrained: Gives juiciness and a bright acidic touch that balances richness.
  • 15 ounces can black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds protein, fiber, and a creamy texture for extra heartiness.
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen): Brings a subtle sweetness and chewy crunch to the mix.
  • 1 cup 5-minute brown rice: A quick-cooking grain that soaks up all the delicious flavors without losing its nutty bite.
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth: Keeps everything moist and enhances the meaty flavor with a gentle savory note.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey topping that adds creaminess and a sharp tang.
  • 1 ounce packet taco seasoning: Infuses the skillet with authentic Mexican-inspired spices that awaken the senses.
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds just the right hint of heat without overpowering.
  • ½ cup sour cream: Offers a cool, tangy finish that complements the spice and richness.
  • ½ cup sliced tomatoes: Fresh garnish that brightens each serving with juicy bursts.
  • ¼ cup sliced black olives: Introduces a salty, earthy contrast.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: Provides a fresh, citrusy herbaceous note that ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Mexican Beef Rice Skillet (Quick and Easy) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Beef

Start by warming a large skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Cook it until browned and crumbly, draining off any excess fat. Then toss in the chopped onion, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent, releasing all those wonderful fragrant notes.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Beans

Pour in the can of petite diced tomatoes with their juices and the rinsed black beans. These add moisture, a touch of acidity, and heartiness, creating the base for the flavors to marry beautifully. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 3: Stir in Rice and Broth

Now it’s time to add the 5-minute brown rice, low-sodium beef broth, taco seasoning, and red pepper flakes. These ingredients will simmer together and allow the rice to absorb all that rich, spicy goodness. Cover the skillet and let it gently cook until the rice is tender and the liquid has been mostly absorbed.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Garnishes

Once the rice is done, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover it again for a few minutes to let the cheese melt blissfully into the dish. This final layer of melty cheese adds a creamy, indulgent texture that makes this recipe truly irresistible.

How to Serve Mexican Beef Rice Skillet (Quick and Easy) Recipe

A white plate holds a colorful mix of food with three main layers: at the bottom, there is a moist base of cooked rice with yellow corn and small pieces of brown cooked meat mixed with black beans and red tomato chunks, creating a rich textured layer. On top of this, there are sliced black olives scattered evenly and some fresh green cilantro leaves adding color contrast. The final top layer is a dollop of white sour cream crowned with bright red cherry tomato slices and more cilantro leaves. A silver fork is pressed slightly into the food from the left side. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a large metal pan filled with the same mix blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your meal to the next level, pile on a dollop of sour cream, scatter sliced fresh tomatoes and black olives over the top, and sprinkle with bright chopped cilantro. These fresh garnishes bring balance and a burst of contrasting flavors that complement the warm, cheesy skillet.

Side Dishes

While this dish is wonderful on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or a side of crunchy tortilla chips can add extra texture and freshness. A simple avocado salad with lime dressing or a bowl of guacamole also pairs beautifully, lending creaminess and coolness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Mexican Beef Rice Skillet inside warm flour tortillas or scoop it over crispy tostada shells for a vibrant taco night vibe. You can also turn leftovers into stuffed bell peppers by filling halved peppers with the skillet mixture and baking until tender.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mexican Beef Rice Skillet (Quick and Easy) Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The rice helps retain moisture, so the dish stays hearty and delicious even after cooling.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freeze the skillet in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor. When frozen, this recipe is perfect for prepping meals ahead of busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water will help keep the rice fluffy and prevent it from drying out. Finish with fresh garnishes just before serving to brighten everything up.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this recipe and makes it a bit lighter. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning if needed since turkey can be milder in flavor.

Is it necessary to use brown rice?

Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and a slightly firmer texture, but you can substitute with white rice if you prefer. Just note that cooking times and liquid amounts might need slight adjustments.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it veggie-friendly while maintaining great flavor.

How spicy is the dish?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the taco seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice up or down depending on your preference by adding more or omitting the red pepper flakes.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! The Mexican Beef Rice Skillet (Quick and Easy) Recipe is perfect for meal prep because it stores well and tastes great reheated. Portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Mexican Beef Rice Skillet (Quick and Easy) Recipe enough if you want a tasty, fuss-free meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It brings together so many wonderful textures and flavors in one simple skillet. Give it a try soon and watch it become a favorite in your dinner rotation!

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Mexican Beef Rice Skillet (Quick and Easy) Recipe

Mexican Beef Rice Skillet (Quick and Easy) Recipe
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4.1 from 29 reviews

A flavorful and hearty Mexican Beef Rice Skillet that combines seasoned ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, black beans, corn, and brown rice all cooked together in one pan for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, fresh tomatoes, olives, and cilantro for a delicious and satisfying dinner full of Tex-Mex flair.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Beef and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1 cup diced yellow bell pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Main Ingredients

  • 15 ounces can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 15 ounces can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1 cup 5-minute brown rice
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup sliced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the chopped yellow onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add Seasonings and Ingredients: Stir in the taco seasoning and red pepper flakes to evenly coat the beef and veggies. Pour in the undrained petite diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, uncooked 5-minute brown rice, and beef broth. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  3. Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Add Cheese and Serve: Once the rice is cooked and the mixture is thickened, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Garnish and Enjoy: Remove from heat and top with sour cream, sliced tomatoes, black olives, and chopped cilantro before serving for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to reduce fat content.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
  • Use low-sodium broth and canned ingredients to control salt levels.
  • This dish can be made gluten-free by ensuring taco seasoning and broth are certified gluten-free.
  • Leftover skillet can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

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