Easy Mexican Beef & Rice Skillet: One-Pan Dinner in 30 Minutes!

 Looking for a quick and easy one-pan dinner? This Mexican Beef & Rice Skillet is packed with protein, flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes!

Why You'll Love This One-Pan Mexican Beef & Rice Skillet

This Mexican Beef & Rice Skillet is the ultimate weeknight dinner. It's flavorful, filling, and comes together in just 30 minutes using a single pan! This dish combines ground beef, rice, black beans, corn, and cheese, creating a hearty, protein-packed meal the whole family will love. Plus, it’s customizable—swap in your favorite toppings and make it your own!

Ingredients You'll Need

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

Optional Toppings:

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Avocado, diced
  • Fresh tomatoes or salsa
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Jalapeños, sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

  • Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from getting mushy.
  • Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  • Drain and rinse the black beans and corn.

Step 2: Cook the Beef & Aromatics

  • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add ground beef and cook for about 3 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula.
  • Stir in the chopped onions and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Rice, Beans, and Spices

  • Sprinkle in taco seasoning, then add diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, corn, and rice.
  • Pour in chicken broth and season with salt to taste.
  • Stir everything together, bring to a light boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender.

Step 4: Add Cheese & Serve

  • Once the rice is fully cooked, remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
  • Cover with a lid and let the cheese melt for a few minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado, tomatoes, or your favorite toppings.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Why This Recipe Works

✔ One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup, more convenience. ✔ High in Protein: Ground beef and black beans provide plenty of protein. ✔ Customizable: Adjust toppings to your taste! ✔ Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Expert Tips for the Best Mexican Beef & Rice Skillet

1. Use Freshly Rinsed Rice: This prevents a gummy texture and ensures fluffy rice. 2. Let It Rest: Once cooked, let the skillet sit covered for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. 3. Spice It Up: Add jalapeño slices or hot sauce if you love extra heat! 4. Try Different Proteins: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or chorizo for a variation.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?

Yes, but increase the simmer time to 30-35 minutes and add an extra 1/2 cup of broth since brown rice takes longer to cook.

2. How Do I Store & Reheat This Dish?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

3. Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for more beans or crumbled tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

4. What Can I Serve with This Dish?

Pair it with a simple salad, tortilla chips, or a side of guacamole for a complete meal.

5. Can I Freeze This Meal?

Yes! Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Beef & Rice Skillet is a foolproof meal that’s quick, delicious, and satisfying. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this one-pan wonder is a must-try! Give it a go, and let us know how you liked it in the comments!

📌 Craving more easy dinner ideas? Check out our Beef Lasagna Recipe: Easy Dinner Recipes

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