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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Sear Beef: Crumble ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, cooking until completely browned and no pink remains, then drain excess fat meticulously.
- Infuse Flavors: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef, stirring continuously to distribute aromatics evenly and prevent scorching.
- Season Aggressively: Sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat, mixing thoroughly to coat each morsel with zesty, vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Integrate Rice: Introduce uncooked rice directly into the skillet, stirring to combine with seasoned beef and allowing grains to absorb the rich, savory essence.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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