Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice

This Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice is a one-pan, 30-minute easy dinner that we make over and over. It is protein-packed, and leftovers get better and better.

When my kids were young, tacos were a weekly meal, and now I love to experiment with new recipes built on the same flavors. This Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice is an easy, one-pan dinner that brings all those classic flavors together in a family-friendly meal.

If you love all the Taco Tuesday flavors along with easy clean-up, you also need to try my Taco Pie and 5 Ingredient Crockpot Chicken Tacos.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy cleanup with this one-pan meal. I always love saving time in the kitchen with less cleanup and more time for dinner.
• So much flavor - If you love tacos, you will love this dish. It is packed with those same bold, classic taco flavors.
• Easily customizable - Top with your favorites like sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro.
• Great for leftovers - I love having this for lunch the next day, and it reheats perfectly.
• Budget Friendly - This uses so many pantry staples like rice and salsa.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: I used lean ground beef for this recipe.
• Yellow Onion: This adds tons of flavor to the dish.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds some sweetness to the dish.
• Long Grain Rice: The perfect filling for the dish, comforting and delicious.
• Taco Seasoning: I use my own recipe for taco seasoning to infuse authentic flavors and spice.
• Salsa: Pick your favorite here! I went with a little spice.
• Black Beans: Drained well, and add some extra protein.
• Spinach: Adds some extra health to the dish. I also love that this almost disappears by the time it is cooked. So it is an easy way to sneak in vegetables if you have picky eaters.
• Frozen Corn: For sweetness and crunch to the dish.
• Cheddar and Pepper Jack Cheese: I use a mixture for a nice melt and a little spice.

How to make Skillet Mexican beef and Rice

1. Preheat Oven to 425°F.

2. Cook the beef mixture: In a large oven-safe skillet on medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, pepper, and taco seasoning until cooked through. About 10 minutes.

3. Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the rice, salsa, beans, spinach, corn, and two cups of water to the ground beef. Mix well and bring to a boil.

4. Simmer: Once boiling, place the lid on the skillet and turn down the heat to low. Allow to simmer for about 15 minutes until most of the water is absorbed into the rice (but not all of it). Making sure to stir a couple of times.

5. Add cheese and bake: Remove the skillet from the heat, uncover, and add freshly grated cheese to the top. Place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

6. Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and top with the desired topping that you love. Serve warm and enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

• Swap the protein - You can use ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version that tastes just as good.
• Rice Swap - Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb dinner, or you can use brown rice (you would just need to add more liquid and cook time).
• Add some spice - Dice up a jalapeño to saute with the onion and beef, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Tims Tips

• Rinse your rice - it is a good practice to remove any excess starch as well as any potential dirt, debris, or pesticides. I just rinse under the water until it runs clear.
• Use a beef broth in place of water for even more flavor.
• A gentle simmer is important as the rice cooks. Boiling too hard can make the rice sticky or even burn.
• A fresh squeeze of lime at the end is a perfect way to brighten up the dish before serving it

What to Serve with Mexican Beef and Rice

• Smoked Salsa
• Fresh and Fast Salsa (with Anaheim Peppers)
• Corn Dip
• Serve with your favorite Guacamole!
• Jalapeño Ranch Dressing

Storage

Refrigerate: Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.

Freeze: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To Reheat: Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second increments until hot. To reheat on the stovetop, place in a skillet over medium-low heat, add a splash of water if needed, cover, and warm until heated through.

FAQs