Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s bursting with bold flavor and comes together in just one pan, this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe will win you over with every bite. It’s cheesy, savory, and packed with colorful veggies—total weeknight magic with minimal cleanup!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something truly satisfying. Each component of this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe plays a vital role, building layers of flavor, color, and comfort in every forkful.

• Olive oil: Helps brown the beef for a richer, deeper flavor and keeps everything from sticking.
• Ground beef (80/20 or 85/15): Juicy, savory beef is the hearty base—just enough fat for flavor, but not too much.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch after sautéing—don’t skip it!
• Garlic: Gives a punch of fragrant warmth for classic taco flavor.
• Taco seasoning: The hero spice blend that sets the tone for those Tex-Mex vibes.
• Fine sea salt: Helps all the flavors sing and brings balance to the dish.
• Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilis: Brings tangy tomato brightness and a hint of gentle heat in every bite.
• Black beans: Creamy, fiber-rich beans add substance and soak up all those delicious juices.
• Corn (frozen or canned): Little pops of sweet color that contrast beautifully with the savory beef.
• Jasmine rice: Short cooking time and a tender, fluffy texture—be sure to rinse for the perfect skillet!
• Low-sodium chicken stock: Infuses the skillet with more savory depth and ensures the rice cooks perfectly.
• Mexican cheese blend or Colby jack: Gets irresistibly melty and gooey; a golden blanket right on top.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is how endlessly adaptable it is. Whether you’re working with what you already have in the fridge or making tweaks for picky eaters, you can truly make it your own in countless ways!

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute instead of ground beef.
• Go vegetarian: Add an extra can of black or pinto beans and sub veggie broth for a satisfying meatless meal.
• Pump up the veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the onion step for extra nutrition and color.
• Change up the cheese: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick, or mozzarella for extra meltiness if that’s what you’ve got.

How to Make Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula. You want to sauté it just until it’s no longer pink, about 3 minutes—the key is to keep it juicy, not dry!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Next, toss in the diced onion and sauté for another 3-4 minutes, stirring often. When the onion is soft and translucent, add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds longer. This short hot sizzle brings out incredible aroma and flavor.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning right over the beef mixture, stirring everything together to thoroughly coat each bite. This is where the magic happens—your skillet will start to smell amazing!

Step 4: Stir in Veggies, Rice, & Tomatoes

Pour in the Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilis (with all their juicy goodness), along with the rinsed black beans and corn. Add the rinsed jasmine rice and give it all a gentle but thorough stir, making sure the rice is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Simmer Until Rice is Tender

Add your chicken stock and a pinch of salt, then increase the heat to bring the skillet to a low boil. Immediately drop the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. The rice will absorb all those wonderful flavors as it softens—don’t peek until time’s up!

Step 6: Add Melty Cheese & Rest

Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat, remove the lid, and sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend liberally over the top. Pop the lid back on and let it rest for five minutes, so the cheese fully melts into gooey perfection. Get ready for major dinner excitement!

How to Serve Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a handful of fresh, colorful toppings to make your Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe truly pop! I love chopped cilantro, creamy avocado slices, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, or even some crunchy sliced jalapeños for a little extra zip. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime for that citrusy finish!

Side Dishes

This skillet is a full meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round things out, serve it with warm flour or corn tortillas, a crisp green salad, or tortilla chips and salsa. A side of refried beans or a fresh fruit salad would also be lovely and festive!

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the basics and turn this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe into fun taco or burrito filling, spoon it into roasted bell pepper halves for a wow-worthy presentation, or layer it over nachos for a loaded, crowd-pleasing party snack. The leftovers also make fantastic quesadilla or stuffed baked potato fillings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your skillet cool to room temperature before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will keep fresh and tasty for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for lunch or a second easy dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this recipe for up to 2 months! I recommend omitting the cheese before freezing—add it fresh when reheating to retain the dish’s signature melty goodness. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave portions until steaming hot or warm the skillet gently over medium-low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep everything moist. Top with fresh cheese and your favorite garnishes just before serving for that straight-from-the-skillet vibe.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a supper that’s easy, comforting, and downright delicious, this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe will not disappoint. Make it your own with endless mix-ins and toppings, then gather everyone around the table for a meal that feels like a weeknight celebration. Give it a try and let the rave reviews roll in—enjoy!

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