Easy Mexican Beef & Rice Skillet – One-Pan Dinner in 30 Minutes!
Recipe Overview
Overview
This Easy Mexican Beef & Rice Skillet is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of a taco bowl in a simple one-pan format. The recipe starts with rinsing the rice, which is a crucial step to ensure it cooks up fluffy and not sticky. The addition of black beans adds a nutritious punch, making it a hearty meal that even kids will love.
As the ground beef cooks, the aroma of sautéed onions and garlic fills the kitchen, setting the stage for a satisfying meal. The taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes infuse the dish with vibrant flavors, while the cheese on top creates a gooey, melty finish that is simply irresistible. This dish is not just about taste; it’s also about convenience, as everything cooks together in one skillet, minimizing cleanup.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it with your favorite taco toppings like avocado, fresh tomatoes, or cilantro, adding freshness and color to the dish. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Overall, this skillet meal is a winner in my book, combining ease, flavor, and nutrition in one delicious package.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Rinse rice under cold water until the water looks clear, then drain and set aside.
Tip: Rinse rice until the water looks clear to remove excess starch.
Rinse black beans and corn.
Chop one medium yellow onion.
Mince two large garlic cloves.
Set a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
Add ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spatula while sautéing.
Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add taco seasoning and a can of Rotel tomatoes with juices.
Add rice, corn, and black beans to the skillet.
Add chicken stock and stir gently until combined.
Tip: Season to taste with salt after cooking.
Bring the mixture to a light boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer on low for about 15 minutes.
Check the rice for doneness; a little liquid at the bottom is normal.
Take off the heat and sprinkle cheese on top, then cover to melt the cheese.
Add taco toppings like diced avocado, fresh diced tomatoes, and cilantro.
Tip: Add taco toppings like avocado and fresh diced tomatoes for color and flavor.
Tip: Use fresh cilantro for added freshness in Mexican dishes.
Scoop and serve the dish.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Nutritional Yeast
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
Got a Recipe Question? Ask Away!
Interesting Tidbits
- •Rinsing rice before cooking helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier grains.
- •Using ground beef with a higher fat content, like 80/20, adds flavor and moisture to the dish.
- •Adding black beans not only boosts protein but also enhances the dish's texture and flavor.
- •Covering the skillet while cooking allows the cheese to melt perfectly, creating a delicious topping.
