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
Scale
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.
