Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pan Mexican-inspired dish combining ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices, cooked in a skillet for an easy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or green onions (optional)
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Instructions
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, beef broth (or water), frozen corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Stir once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top, then cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes so the cheese can melt perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve the skillet Mexican beef and rice hot, optionally accompanied by sour cream, avocado slices, or tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a quicker meal, substitute instant rice but reduce the liquid amount slightly and shorten the cooking time accordingly.
- If you prefer your dish spicier, add diced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the ingredients.
