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

Natashas Kitchen

Video Stats

Channel: Natashas Kitchen
Host: Natashas Kitchen
Published: May 7, 2025
Views: 114.3k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 20 min
Difficulty: Beginner
Serves: 4

Overview

This Easy Mexican Beef & Rice Skillet is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine in a quick and simple way. The combination of ground beef, rice, and black beans creates a hearty base, while the melted cheese on top adds a rich, creamy texture that is hard to resist. The recipe is designed to be completed in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

One of the standout features of this dish is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite taco toppings, such as diced avocado, fresh tomatoes, or a sprinkle of cilantro for a burst of freshness. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds layers of flavor and texture that elevate the meal.

The cooking process is straightforward, starting with sautéing the ground beef and onions, followed by the addition of garlic and taco seasoning. The inclusion of black beans and corn not only boosts the nutritional value but also makes the dish more filling. As everything simmers together, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Overall, this Mexican Beef & Rice Skillet is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal. It’s perfect for family dinners, and the leftovers are just as tasty, making it a great addition to your weekly meal rotation.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:17

Rinse your rice under cold water until the water looks clear, then drain and set aside.

00:22

Tip: Rinse rice until the water looks clear to remove excess starch.

2
00:31

Rinse black beans and corn.

3
00:46

Chop up one medium yellow onion.

4
00:53

Mince two large garlic cloves.

5
01:01

Set a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.

6
01:07

Add ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spatula as you sauté.

7
01:15

Once the meat is no longer pink, add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

8
01:25

Add minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

9
01:30

Add taco seasoning and the can of Rotel tomatoes, including the juices.

01:30

Tip: Add the juices from the can of Rotel tomatoes for extra flavor.

10
01:38

Add rice, corn, and black beans to the skillet.

11
01:42

Add chicken stock and season with salt.

12
01:45

Stir gently until combined and bring to a light boil.

13
01:49

Reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer on low for about 15 minutes.

01:49

Tip: Let it simmer on low heat to ensure the rice cooks properly.

14
01:56

Check the rice for doneness; it may have some liquid at the bottom.

15
02:02

Season to taste with salt if needed.

02:02

Tip: Season to taste with salt after checking the rice for doneness.

16
02:06

Take it off the heat and sprinkle on cheese, then cover to let it melt.

17
02:24

Add diced avocado, fresh diced tomato, and fresh cilantro as toppings.

02:24

Tip: Use colorful toppings like avocado and tomatoes for a prettier presentation.

02:45

Tip: Add fresh cilantro for a delicious and fresh flavor.

18
03:01

Scoop and serve the dish, ensuring to get a good amount of cheese.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Black Beans1 can
Corn1 can
Onion1 medium
Garlic2 cloves
Taco Seasoning1 packet
Rotel Tomatoes1 can
Chicken Broth1 cup
Cheese1 cup
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Dairy

    → Substitution: Nutritional Yeast

Ingredient: Gluten

    → Substitution: Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning

Nutrition

Calories
550
kcal per serving
Protein
30
per serving
Carbs
60
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Beginner
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

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 helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier grains.
  • Using black beans adds extra protein and fiber to the dish.
  • Cooking everything in one skillet simplifies cleanup and enhances flavor.
  • Taco seasoning can be adjusted for spice level according to personal preference.