Description
Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice is a quick, one-pan meal loaded with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, tomatoes, corn, and melted cheese. Bursting with bold Tex-Mex flavors, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. Serve with tortilla chips, sour cream, or avocado for a satisfying and customizable meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 ¼ cups beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Dairy and Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in taco seasoning, uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, corn, and beef broth. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
- Simmer covered: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet. Reduce heat to low and cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Melt the cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, then cover again and let stand for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving. Enjoy with optional sides like tortilla chips, sour cream, or avocado.
Notes
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add black beans for extra protein and fiber.
