Zesty Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe for Taco Tuesdays

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy hungry appetites, and this hearty mexican beef and rice skillet delivers pure comfort.

Packed with robust flavors and minimal cleanup, the one-pan wonder comes together effortlessly.

Lean ground beef sizzles with aromatic spices, creating a mouthwatering base that promises excitement.

Tender rice absorbs all the savory juices, blending perfectly with zesty seasonings and colorful vegetables.

Melted cheese adds a creamy finish that elevates each forkful with irresistible richness.

Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime brighten the entire dish, adding a vibrant final touch.

This skillet masterpiece transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal everyone will devour.

Tips To Spice Up Mexican Beef And Rice Skillet

• Lean Meat Magic: Choose ground beef with 90/10 ratio for less grease and healthier dish without compromising flavor.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by selecting mild or hot salsa, and add extra jalapeños for adventurous taste buds who love a kick.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in bell peppers, corn, or black beans to increase nutritional value and create more robust meal with extra textures.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for those avoiding grains, making the recipe naturally gluten-free and diet-friendly.
• Make-Ahead Master: Prepare entire skillet in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring quick reheating for busy weeknight dinners.

Ways To Serve Mexican Beef And Rice Skillet Warm

• Fiesta Feast Presentation: Serve this hearty skillet directly at the table in the cast-iron pan for a rustic, family-style dining experience that captures the vibrant spirit of Mexican cuisine.
• Taco-Style Topping Bar: Set up a colorful spread of fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and shredded cheese, allowing everyone to customize their plate with their favorite toppings.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair the skillet with warm flour tortillas or crispy corn tortilla chips on the side, perfect for scooping up the delicious beef and rice mixture and adding extra texture to each bite.
• Side Dish Harmony: Complement the main dish with a fresh green salad or quick-pickled vegetables to balance the rich, savory flavors of the beef and provide a light, refreshing contrast.

Keep Mexican Beef And Rice Skillet Fresh For Later

• Quick Fridge Storage: Transfer leftovers into airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Cool the skillet meal completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide the skillet meal into individual serving sizes before storing. This makes quick lunches or dinners easier and helps prevent food waste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Mexican Beef And Rice Skillet

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty meat that brings robust flavor and substantial texture to the dish, choose lean cuts for healthier option.
• Long Grain White Rice: Fluffy base that absorbs delicious flavors, select high-quality rice for perfect cooking consistency.

• Onion, Garlic: Fundamental flavor builders that create deep, savory undertones, select fresh produce with firm texture and vibrant color.

• Beef Broth: Intensifies meat flavor and helps cook rice, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt content.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds tangy richness and moisture, choose high-quality canned sauce for best results.
• Taco Seasoning: Delivers classic Mexican-inspired spice blend, select premade mix or create homemade version for personalized taste.

• Cilantro, Shredded Cheese: Fresh herb and melty topping that elevates final presentation and adds extra flavor layers.

Skillet Tools For Mexican Beef And Rice Skillet

• Large skillet: Essential for browning beef and sautéing ingredients, preferably with high sides.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients evenly.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing garlic.
• Sharp knife: Helps dice onions and mince garlic quickly and safely.
• Measuring cups: Useful for accurately measuring rice and other ingredients.
• Colander: Helpful for draining excess grease from ground beef if needed.

Steps To Cook Mexican Beef And Rice Skillet

• Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add ground beef. Break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly and develops a rich, caramelized flavor.

• Sauté Aromatics

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, stirring them into the beef. Let the ingredients mingle and release their aromatic essence, creating a fragrant base for your skillet meal.

• Build the Flavor Profile

Pour in tomato sauce, sprinkle cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together, allowing the spices to bloom and infuse the meat with a vibrant, zesty kick.

• Create the Skillet Magic

Add rice and water, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer. The rice will absorb the flavorful liquid and become tender, while the beef and spices create a mouthwatering one-pan wonder.

• Finish and Serve

Once the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a burst of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Mexican-inspired skillet meal.

Hearty Mexican Beef And Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican beef and rice skillet delivers bold southwestern flavors in one pan. Simple ingredients combine for a quick, satisfying meal that brings family together at the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 ½ cups beef broth (or water)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans or pinto beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean beef)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 2 tbsps fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sliced avocado
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Jalapenos
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Sear Beef: Crumble ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, cooking until completely browned and no pink remains, then drain excess fat meticulously.
2. Infuse Flavors: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef, stirring continuously to distribute aromatics evenly and prevent scorching.
3. Season Aggressively: Sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat, mixing thoroughly to coat each morsel with zesty, vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors.
4. Integrate Rice: Introduce uncooked rice directly into the skillet, stirring to combine with seasoned beef and allowing grains to absorb the rich, savory essence.
5. Liquid Fusion: Pour tomato sauce and water into the skillet, gently blending all components and ensuring rice doesn’t stick to the pan’s bottom.
6. Simmer and Rest: Reduce heat, cover skillet, and let the mixture simmer quietly for 18-20 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid completely absorbs. Remove from heat and allow brief resting for final moisture absorption.
7. Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh cilantro, sprinkle shredded cheese, and add optional jalapeño slices for an authentic presentation. Serve piping hot directly from the skillet as a hearty, one-pan culinary delight.

Notes

• Control Meat Moisture: Drain excess fat completely to prevent greasy texture and ensure lean, flavorful beef base.
• Prevent Rice Burning: Stir rice consistently and maintain low heat to avoid scorching and achieve perfectly cooked, fluffy grains.
• Season Strategically: Mix taco seasoning thoroughly to distribute zesty flavors evenly throughout the entire dish.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options, and use cauliflower rice for low-carb variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg