If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together in one pan, you’re going to love this Mexican Rice Skillet Recipe. It’s a vibrant, hearty dish packed with rice, beans, juicy diced tomatoes with green chiles, and a perfect blend of spices that bring a little fiesta to your taste buds. Layered with melted cheddar cheese and finished with fresh cilantro and lime, this recipe is a must-have for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mexican Rice Skillet Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, whether providing a burst of flavor, a creamy texture, or a pop of color that makes the dish irresistible.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the onions, it adds a subtle fruitiness and prevents sticking.
- Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed to soften.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory kick that enhances every bite.
- Long-grain white rice: The base of the dish, offering a fluffy texture that soaks up the flavors well.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Provide juiciness and a mild spicy heat that wakes up the palate.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Infuses the rice with rich, savory notes as it cooks.
- Black beans: Add protein, creaminess, and a boost of fiber.
- Frozen corn: Offers a sweet crunch that contrasts deliciously with the softer ingredients.
- Chili powder: The foundation of Mexican spices, blending warmth and earthiness.
- Cumin: Gives a smoky, slightly nutty flavor that complements the chili powder.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle sweetness and a lovely color to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste to enhance all the other flavors.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Creates a gooey, melty layer of cheesy goodness.
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges: Fresh garnishes that brighten and balance the richness.
How to Make Mexican Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Toast Rice
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced yellow onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. This step builds the foundation of flavor. Next, stir in the minced garlic and the long-grain white rice, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the rice takes on a light golden color. Toasting the rice like this adds a delightful nutty flavor and helps to keep the grains separate after cooking.
Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients and Simmer
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, including the juices, along with the chicken or vegetable broth, drained black beans, and frozen corn. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, plus salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to bring all those beautiful ingredients together before raising the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. During this time, the rice absorbs all the delicious liquids and the flavors meld wonderfully.
Step 3: Melt Cheese on Top
After the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed, remove the skillet from heat. Immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pan again and allow it to sit for 3 to 5 minutes. The residual heat works its magic, melting the cheese into a luscious, gooey layer that will have you swooning.
How to Serve Mexican Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro leaves scattered on top add a burst of herbal brightness, perfectly balancing the richer and spicier elements of the dish. A squeeze of lime wedges right before eating introduces a zesty pop that elevates every bite. Both garnishes turn a simple dish into a vibrant celebration of flavors.
Side Dishes
This Mexican Rice Skillet pairs beautifully with simple sides like warm tortillas, a crisp green salad, or creamy guacamole. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or grilled chicken for a heartier meal. The versatility means everyone can customize their plate to their liking.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Serve the rice skillet as a filling for burritos or inside bell pepper halves for an eye-catching meal. Spoon it into taco bowls topped with sour cream and avocado slices to turn it into a Tex-Mex feast. There’s no wrong way to enjoy this dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mexican Rice Skillet is a dream to keep in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making the next-day meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this dish by cooling it completely and transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It stays delicious for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. If the rice feels dry, add a splash of broth or water to refresh that moisture. Top with a little extra shredded cheese to revive that gooey layer.
FAQs
Can I make this Mexican Rice Skillet Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth keeps the dish vegetarian-friendly. You can also skip adding meat and rely on black beans for protein, making it both nutritious and satisfying.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level, thanks to the diced tomatoes with green chiles and spices. If you prefer more spice, feel free to add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to suit your taste.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can substitute brown rice, but it will require more cooking time and liquid. Plan on simmering for about 40 minutes and adjust broth accordingly to ensure the rice cooks through properly.
What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
A shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend cheese works beautifully because they melt well and add a nice sharpness. You could also experiment with Monterey Jack or queso fresco for a different twist.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a party?
Yes, you can make it ahead and reheat just before serving. If you want to keep the cheese melt fresh, add it after reheating or melt it again under the broiler for a few minutes for a bubbly finish.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Rice Skillet Recipe is one of those cozy, reliable dishes that always hits the spot. It’s packed with bold flavors, easy enough for any weeknight, and flexible for any occasion. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite to turn to again and again. You really can’t go wrong with a skillet full of this cheesy, spicy goodness!
Print
Mexican Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mexican Rice Skillet is a delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring tender rice cooked with tomatoes, beans, corn, and spices, topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s flavorful, hearty, and can easily be adapted with added proteins or extra spice.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
Liquids & Spices
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings & Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté onion: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Add garlic and toast rice: Stir in the minced garlic and rice. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice becomes lightly toasted and fragrant.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices and the broth. Add the black beans, frozen corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Simmer rice mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
- Top with cheese and melt: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side if desired. Enjoy your flavorful Mexican Rice Skillet!
Notes
- For extra protein, add cooked ground beef, chicken, or chorizo during the onion sauté step.
- This dish makes an excellent filling for burritos or a base for taco bowls.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce along with the spices.
