If you are craving a comforting, flavorful, and hearty one-pan wonder, this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. It brings together perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender jasmine rice, zesty RoTel tomatoes, and creamy melted cheese all cooked in one skillet, making it both a family pleaser and a busy weeknight lifesaver. Every bite bursts with vibrant colors and exciting textures, capturing the essence of Mexican-inspired home cooking in a quick and easy dish that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for building layers of flavor, texture, and color in the Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the savoriness of the beef, the creaminess of the cheese, or the slight kick from the green chilies that wake up your palate.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and sauté the onions to golden perfection for depth of flavor.
- Ground beef (80/20 or 85/15): The juicy, slightly fatty beef provides a rich, hearty base.
- Medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and texture as it softens in the pan.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic notes.
- Taco seasoning: Packs the Mexican-inspired spices that define the dish’s zesty character.
- Fine sea salt: Balances all the flavors, enhancing each ingredient.
- RoTel diced tomatoes and green chilies: Brings a bright tang with a touch of heat and vibrant color.
- Black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds protein, creaminess, and a satisfying bite.
- Corn, frozen or canned and rinsed: Lends sweetness and pops of yellow for a colorful, fresh contrast.
- Jasmine rice, rinsed and drained: Cooks up fluffy, absorbing all the savory juices beautifully.
- Low-sodium chicken stock: Essential for steaming the rice and adding depth without overpowering.
- Mexican cheese blend or Colby Jack: Melts into a gooey, flavorful topping that’s pure indulgence.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Offers a burst of herbaceous freshness at the end.
How to Make Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula so it cooks evenly and becomes nicely browned, which builds flavor. Once the beef turns no longer pink, toss in the diced onion and let it soften and become translucent. Finish this step by adding the minced garlic, cooking just until you can smell that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 2: Season and Add the Key Ingredients
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning to coat every bit of beef and onion with those warm, spicy flavors. Next, stir in the RoTel tomatoes with their juice, black beans, corn, and jasmine rice. This combination creates a beautiful melange of colors and textures, setting the stage for the rice to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock and add salt according to your taste. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. The aroma at this point is absolutely mouth-watering, signaling that your Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is nearing completion.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
With the heat turned off, sprinkle your chosen cheese blend evenly over the skillet’s surface. Cover the pan again and let it rest for five minutes. This short waiting period allows the cheese to melt luxuriously, creating an ooey-gooey finish that pulls the whole dish together into a cheesy, savory masterpiece.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Top with fresh cilantro if you love that herbaceous brightness, and get ready to serve this comforting dish right from the skillet. The combination of seasoned beef, juicy tomatoes, creamy beans, and melted cheese makes every bite delightful while keeping cooking and cleanup super simple.
How to Serve Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes truly elevate the dish. Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a fresh herbaceous note, or add dollops of sour cream or creamy avocado slices for cooling richness. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the whole skillet, bringing that perfect balance to the bold Mexican flavors.
Side Dishes
This skillet does a fantastic job standing on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, consider serving with a side of crunchy tortilla chips or a simple green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette. For something heartier, refried beans or a side of Mexican street corn complement the skillet superbly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this skillet directly at the table with small bowls of additional toppings like chopped jalapeños, diced onions, or shredded lettuce. You can also use it as a filling for tacos or burritos, turning your Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe into multiple meals with different presentation styles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors marry even more after resting overnight, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners on busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain its texture and flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the skillet gently in a covered pan over medium-low heat or microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Adding a splash of chicken stock or water while reheating helps keep the rice from drying out and maintains that freshly cooked texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. You may need to adjust the simmering duration to ensure the rice is fully cooked without drying out the other ingredients.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your taco seasoning and chicken stock do not contain any gluten additives. Always double-check the labels to be safe.
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?
Yes, lean ground turkey or chicken can be used as a healthier alternative. Just keep in mind these proteins tend to be less fatty, so you might want to add a little extra olive oil for moisture and richness.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends mainly on the RoTel diced tomatoes and green chilies and taco seasoning brand you choose. If you prefer a milder version, use mild tomatoes and less seasoning, or opt out of any extra chili toppings.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian or vegan, swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Replace cheese with a vegan alternative to keep it delicious.
Final Thoughts
There is something so soul-satisfying about a dish that combines rich, zesty flavors with ease of preparation, and this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s the kind of meal that wins over both weeknight crowds and casual weekend gatherings thanks to its comforting nature and colorful appeal. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a treasured staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A flavorful and hearty Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet recipe that combines seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and rice cooked together in one pan. Topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro, this dish makes a perfect weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
- 10-ounce can RoTel diced tomatoes and green chilies (original)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned, rinsed
- ¾ cup jasmine rice, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, Colby Jack, or equal parts mozzarella and cheddar
For Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until the beef is no longer pink. Add diced onion and sauté until softened. Then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Season and Add Ingredients: Stir in the taco seasoning to coat the beef evenly. Add RoTel diced tomatoes with their juices, drained and rinsed black beans, corn, and jasmine rice to the skillet. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock and add the sea salt. Bring the mixture to a light boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Melt Cheese: Turn off the heat, sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover again and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt beautifully.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, avocado, or salsa to enhance flavors.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to control the sodium level in the dish.
- Adjust salt according to taste after cooking, as taco seasoning can be salty.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra beans and vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the skillet or microwave.
- Adding fresh lime juice or avocado can add a fresh, bright flavor when serving.
