If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and fuss-free dinner, this Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a one-pan wonder packed with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, vibrant veggies, and bold Mexican spices that come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a comforting meal with minimal cleanup, this dish delivers big on taste without requiring hours in the kitchen. Get ready to make a new favorite that’s as simple to prepare as it is delicious to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each ingredient plays an important role, from building flavor to adding texture and color. Getting these basics right sets you up for delicious success.
- 1 tablespoon oil (avocado or olive): This helps brown the beef nicely without sticking and adds healthy fats.
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 or 90/10): The star protein that brings richness and heartiness to the dish.
- 1 small sweet onion (finely diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and a base layer of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced): Boosts the savory notes with its aromatic punch.
- 1 ¼ cups long grain white rice (rinsed and drained): Provides a fluffy, tender texture that soaks up all the spicy goodness.
- 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable, regular sodium): Adds depth and keeps the rice cooking moist and flavorful.
- 1 (16-ounce) jar salsa (mild or medium): Brings flavor complexity and a bit of tangy heat.
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can corn (rinsed and drained): Adds a subtle sweetness and pops of color throughout.
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans (rinsed and drained): Boosts fiber and texture, making the skillet more filling.
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning mix: Combines spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika for that authentic Mexican flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- 1 small bunch cilantro (finely chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness just before serving.
- ½ lime (juice): A squeeze of lime juice at the end elevates the whole dish with fresh acidity.
How to Make Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, then add your ground beef. Cook it for about 6 to 7 minutes, breaking it up into crumbles as it browns. You want those flavorful little bits well-cooked but not dry. Once the beef is no longer pink, remove it from the pot and set it aside. This step builds the foundational flavor that carries throughout the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Using the grease left behind from the beef, toss in your finely diced sweet onion and sauté it for 2 to 3 minutes. This softens the onion while releasing its natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic next, letting it cook for another 30 seconds or until fragrant—this quick step awakens the dish with savory depth.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients and Cook the Rice
Next, add the rinsed rice, chicken or vegetable broth, jar of salsa, corn, black beans, cooked ground beef, taco seasoning, and salt back into the pot. Give everything a thorough stir so the ingredients mingle. Crank the heat up to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes until the rice is perfectly tender and has soaked up all those incredible flavors.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lime
When your rice is tender and the skillet is bubbling with deliciousness, stir in the chopped cilantro. This herb adds a lovely fresh note that brightens the dish beautifully. Finally, squeeze the juice of half a lime over the top before serving. That citrusy finish takes this Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe over the top in flavor and freshness.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
To make this skillet dish pop even more at the table, top it with extras like shredded cheese, sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or a spoonful of pico de gallo. These garnishes add creaminess, additional layers of flavor, and a touch of indulgence that everyone will appreciate.
Side Dishes
This meal shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crunchy tortilla chips, a fresh garden salad, or roasted vegetables. If you want to keep things light but satisfying, some simple steamed greens tossed with lime and chili flakes can be perfect. These sides balance the rich beef and rice skillet effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or want to dress things up, serve this Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe in individual cast iron skillets or colorful bowls for a festive touch. You can also turn leftovers into stuffed bell peppers or wrap the mixture inside warm tortillas for quick Mexican burritos or tacos the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your skillet, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making this recipe a fantastic option for easy weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers of this dish too! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just label with the date, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready to thaw whenever time is tight.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in a skillet on the stove with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Microwave works as well—just cover the dish and heat in short increments until steaming hot. Freshen up with a sprinkle of cilantro and a splash of lime before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative, just adjust cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked and consider adding a touch more seasoning for extra flavor.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning mix?
No worries—make your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne. This way, you control the spice level and customize flavors to your liking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just double-check that your taco seasoning and broth are gluten-free, as sometimes these contain hidden gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure thing! Skip the beef and use vegetable broth plus an extra can of beans or some diced veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. The flavor will still be fantastic and hearty.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s generally mild to medium depending on the salsa you use. If you want to turn up the heat, try a medium or hot salsa and add extra chili powder or fresh jalapeños.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is truly a game-changer when it comes to quick, satisfying meals. The balance of savory beef, tender rice, lively spices, and fresh herbs comes together effortlessly in one pot, making weeknight dinners both delicious and stress-free. I can’t recommend it enough. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
Print
Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet recipe is a flavorful one-pot meal combining seasoned ground beef, fragrant white rice, savory salsa, and hearty beans and corn. Ready in under an hour, it’s a satisfying and simple dinner perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a comforting taste of Mexican-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil (avocado or olive)
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
- 1 small sweet onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 ¼ cups long grain white rice (rinsed and drained)
- 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable, regular sodium)
- 1 (16-ounce) jar salsa (mild or medium)
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can corn (rinsed and drained)
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1 small bunch cilantro (finely chopped)
- ½ lime (juice)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until no longer pink. Remove the cooked beef and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Onion: Using the same pot, add the diced onion to the remaining grease and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed rice, broth, salsa, drained corn, black beans, cooked beef, taco seasoning, and salt. Mix well. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish before serving. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the rice and beans to remove excess starch and sodium.
- Adjust salt and taco seasoning to taste depending on your liking and sodium preference.
- This recipe can be made with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt intake.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
