Ground Beef Mexican Rice Skillet

Introduction

The Ground Beef Mexican Rice Skillet is a vibrant, flavorful, and comforting one-pan meal that combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables. This dish brings all the classic Mexican flavors—tomato, cumin, chili, and garlic—into a quick and easy skillet meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, as it’s hearty, satisfying, and comes together in just one pan, which makes cleanup a breeze.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a perfect balance of comfort and bold flavors. The combination of ground beef with aromatic spices and tender rice creates a dish that feels indulgent but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner. I also enjoy how customizable it is—you can add beans, corn, or bell peppers depending on what you have in your pantry. Plus, th one-pan method ensures every grain of rice absorbs all the savory, spicy, and slightly tangy flavors from the beef and seasonings.

Why It’s a Must-Try

This dish is a must-try because it’s incredibly versatile, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. It’s a complete meal in one skillet, meaning you get protein, vegetables, and carbs together. It’s perfect for picky eaters because it’s flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy, and it reheats beautifully for meal prep. The aroma of Mexican spices filling your kitchen while it cooks is enough to make it irresistible.

Preparation Time & Cooking Time

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4–5
• Calories per serving: ~450 kcal

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Mexican / Tex-Mex
• Course: Main Dish / Skillet Dinner

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend), optional

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper until tender.
3. Stir in rice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and tomato paste.
4. Add diced tomatoes and broth; stir well.
5. Cover and simmer until rice is cooked, about 18–20 minutes.
6. Add corn, season with salt and pepper, and let it heat through.
7. Garnish with cilantro and optional cheese. Serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook the Ground Beef
   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
   • Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté Vegetables
   • Add olive oil if needed.
   • Sauté diced onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened.
   • Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Rice and Spices
   • Stir in uncooked rice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and optional cayenne.
   • Cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the rice and enhance the flavors.
4. Add Liquids
   • Mix in tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with juices), and broth.
   • Stir everything to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Simmer Until Rice Is Cooked
   • Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low.
   • Cook for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Finish with Vegetables and Seasoning
   • Stir in frozen corn (if using) and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Garnish and Serve
   • Remove from heat.
   • Garnish with chopped cilantro and shredded cheese if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
• Pair with sour cream, avocado slices, or lime wedges for extra flavor.
• Works well with a side of tortilla chips or a fresh salad.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Toast the rice slightly before adding liquid to enhance flavor.
• Avoid stirring too much once simmering to prevent rice from becoming mushy.
• Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld together.

Variations

1. Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
2. Vegetarian: Replace beef with black beans or lentils.
3. Cheesy Mexican Skillet: Add shredded cheese on top while still hot for a melty finish.
4. Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or chopped spinach.
5. Brown Rice Version: Substitute white rice with brown rice; increase cooking time to 35–40 minutes.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use pre-cooked rice?
   • Yes, but reduce the liquid slightly and cook just until heated through.
2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
   • Absolutely! Adjust seasoning and cooking time accordingly.
3. Can this be made spicy?
   • Yes, add jalapeños, cayenne, or chili powder to taste.
4. Can I make this in advance?
   • Yes, prepare the skillet ahead of time and store in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
5. Is this dish gluten-free?
   • Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and tomato paste.

Conclusion

The Ground Beef Mexican Rice Skillet is a flavorful, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. It’s hearty, colorful, and packed with Mexican-inspired flavors, making it irresistible for adults and kids alike. Quick to prepare, easy to customize, and satisfying to eat, it’s a go-to recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.