Description
Sizzling Mexican beef and rice skillet brings bold southwestern flavors straight to your dinner table with minimal effort. Hearty protein, tender rice, and zesty spices combine in one pan for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Grains and Base:
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
Vegetable Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
Canned Ingredients:
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (8 ounces) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounces) can black beans or pinto beans, drained & rinsed
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean beef)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Garnishes:
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Jalapenos
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Place ground beef in a spacious skillet, crumbling and sautéing over medium heat until thoroughly browned and no pink remains.
- Eliminate any accumulated fat by carefully draining excess grease from the meat.
- Incorporate finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the beef, continuously stirring to ensure even distribution and prevent burning.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat mixture, thoroughly mixing to coat each morsel with robust, zesty flavors.
- Pour uncooked rice directly into the skillet, stirring to combine with the seasoned beef and allowing grains to absorb the savory essence.
- Add tomato sauce and water, gently stirring to integrate all ingredients and prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to simmer quietly for approximately 18-20 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid is fully absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let the skillet rest for a few minutes to allow remaining moisture to be absorbed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and optional jalapeño slices for an authentic Mexican-inspired presentation.
- Serve hot, directly from the skillet, offering a deliciously simple one-pan meal that combines hearty protein with aromatic rice.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
- For a lower-carb version, swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for added nutrition.
- Add extra spices like cumin or chili powder to enhance the Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
- Consider topping with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added freshness and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg