Need a fuss-free dinner that’s both delicious and quick to prepare? This Mexican Beef And Rice Skillet recipe is your answer! In just 15 minutes of prep time and using only one skillet, you can have a flavorful, family-friendly meal on the table. It’s a guaranteed keeper for those busy weeknights!
close up photo of Mexican beef and rice with fresh tomatoes on top
If you’re anything like me, the quest for easy dinner ideas is a daily one. “Easy” in my book translates to minimal prep, simple ingredients you likely already have, and, most importantly, fewer dishes to wash afterwards. This Mexican beef and rice skillet hits all those marks perfectly. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Your Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for this flavorful skillet meal. This list is perfect for a quick glance before you head to the grocery store! (Find the exact measurements in the recipe card below).
Ingredients for Mexican beef and rice skillet include ground beef, rice, salsa, tomato paste, salt, pepper, taco seasoning, bell peppers, onion, garlic, corn, black beans, beef broth, and olive oil.
A Closer Look at the Key Ingredients
- Ground Beef: The star of the dish! Using ground beef makes this a hearty and satisfying meal. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
- Rice: For this recipe, parboiled rice is recommended. It cooks perfectly in the skillet without becoming mushy. Both white and brown parboiled rice work well, though brown rice will require a slightly longer cooking time. Ensure you’re using parboiled rice, not instant rice, for the best texture.
- Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa! A chunky, mild salsa is great for family dinners, but feel free to use a hot salsa if you like a bit of extra spice. The salsa adds a wonderful depth of flavor and moisture to the dish.
- Taco Seasoning: For ease, a store-bought taco seasoning blend works perfectly. However, if you prefer to control the spice level or sodium content, homemade taco seasoning is a fantastic option. Making your own allows you to customize the flavors to your family’s liking.
- Peppers, Onion, and Garlic: This aromatic trio forms the flavor base of the skillet. Diced bell peppers (red and yellow are great for color!), chopped onion, and minced garlic create a savory foundation for the Mexican spices.
- Corn and Black Beans: These add both texture and nutritional value to the skillet. Canned or frozen corn and canned black beans are convenient and readily available. Rinsing the black beans before adding them reduces excess sodium.
- Beef Broth: The broth is essential for cooking the rice and bringing all the flavors together. It adds moisture and richness to the dish. You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth as alternatives.
Step-by-Step Visual Guide to Making Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
This recipe is incredibly straightforward. The main steps involve browning the beef with aromatics, adding the vegetables and spices, and then simmering everything together with rice and broth until perfectly cooked.
collage of step by step photos to make beef and rice
Essential Tips and Tricks for Skillet Success
- Don’t Pre-cook the Rice! This is a crucial tip. The rice cooks directly in the skillet along with the other ingredients. Pre-cooking the rice will result in a mushy, overly liquid dish. Trust the process – the rice will cook perfectly in the allotted time.
- Browning is Key for Flavor: Resist the urge to skip browning the ground beef with the onions and garlic. This step develops deep, savory flavors that are fundamental to the overall taste of the dish. Browning creates those delicious browned bits at the bottom of the pan, which contribute significantly to the final flavor profile.
- Spice Level Customization: This recipe is designed to be family-friendly with a mild spice level. If you prefer more heat, you can easily adjust it! Add a pinch of chili powder along with the taco seasoning, or include a diced jalapeño pepper when sautéing the vegetables. For an extra kick, stir in a dash of hot sauce or some chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce at the end of cooking. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end also brightens the flavors and adds a zesty touch.
Serving Suggestions: Side Dishes to Complement Your Mexican Skillet
While this Mexican beef and rice skillet is truly a complete meal on its own, a simple side dish can round out the dinner perfectly.
A fresh salad is always a great accompaniment. A classic tomato and cucumber salad or a creamy coleslaw provides a cool and refreshing contrast to the warm, savory skillet. Consider a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to add some extra greens to your meal.
And of course, no Mexican-inspired meal is complete without toppings! Set out bowls of shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges for everyone to customize their serving. And don’t forget the tortilla chips for scooping up every last bite!
pan with rice, beef, fresh tomatoes and cilantro
Looking for More Ground Beef Inspiration?
If you’re a fan of ground beef recipes, there are many other delicious and easy options to explore! Ground beef is incredibly versatile and perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
You can find a wide variety of ground beef recipes online, from classic meatloaf and spaghetti sauce to creative tacos and casseroles. One-pot meals, like this skillet recipe, are especially convenient for busy cooks. And if you’re specifically looking for more easy dinner ideas, there’s a wealth of recipes available to simplify your meal planning.
This Mexican beef and rice skillet is a reader favorite for a reason! It’s a flavorful, family-friendly, and incredibly easy meal to prepare. Give it a try and see why so many people are raving about it!
Get the Printable Recipe Below
Printable Recipe Card
Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
This simple and tasty Mexican beef and rice skillet recipe is perfect for a convenient and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
Recipe by Nora from Savory Nothings
made it? tap the stars to add your rating! 4.79 from 288 votes
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Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup parboiled rice (see notes)
- 1 ½ cups beef broth, or more as needed
- 1 (16-ounce) jar chunky salsa
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup canned or frozen sweet corn
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, lime wedges, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, tortilla chips
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and ground beef and cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned. Stir in diced bell peppers and cook for another minute.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in tomato paste, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add parboiled rice, beef broth, salsa, black beans, and corn. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce heat to low and cook gently for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and liquid is absorbed. If the skillet seems dry before the rice is cooked, add a little more broth.
- Serve: If desired, top with shredded cheese, cover the skillet again, and let it sit for a minute or two until the cheese is melted. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Notes
- Rice: It’s important to use parboiled rice for this recipe, which typically cooks in about 15-20 minutes. Check the package instructions for your specific rice brand. Do not use instant rice or pre-cooked rice.
- Spice Level: This recipe is mild, suitable for children. For a spicier dish, add chili powder to the taco seasoning, or include hot salsa. Lime juice stirred in at the end can also add a nice zing.
- Taco Seasoning: Homemade taco seasoning is a great way to control ingredients. You can find many recipes online.
- Black Beans: Canned black beans are convenient. Rinsing them removes excess sodium. You can also cook your own black beans from scratch.
- Browning: Don’t skip browning the beef and onions. It significantly enhances the flavor of the dish.
- Meat Variations: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Gluten-Free: To ensure this recipe is gluten-free, double-check that all ingredients, especially taco seasoning and salsa, are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 385kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 47mg
Sodium: 877mg
Potassium: 910mg
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 7g
Vitamin A: 1296IU
Vitamin C: 67mg
Calcium: 62mg
Iron: 4mg
Nutritional information is an estimate.
More Recipe Information
Suitable for: Gluten Free (with gluten-free ingredients)
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Explore More Easy Rice Recipes:
One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls
Easy Chicken Fried Rice
This recipe was originally published in March 2019 and updated in May 2020 with improvements.
