Dinners

Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet – Easy One-Pan Dinner

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Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • What Makes This Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Special?
  • How to Customize Your Skillet Meal
  • Serving Suggestions and Pairings
  • Storage and Reheating Tips
  • Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

This easy one-pan Mexican beef and rice skillet is a flavorful and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a delicious tomato base, all topped with gooey melted cheese. With minimal prep and just one skillet, it’s a hassle-free dinner everyone will love.

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Introduction

Welcome to Betty Cooks! I’m Betty, and I’m excited to share this delicious Mexican beef and rice skillet recipe with you. If you love easy one-pan meals, this dish is going to be your new go-to weeknight favorite. Packed with bold Mexican flavors, juicy ground beef, and fluffy rice, this meal comes together quickly with simple pantry staples. Perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying and full of flavor!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for a fast dinner.
  • One-Pan Wonder: No need for multiple pots and pans—everything cooks in one skillet!
  • Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, savory goodness of this meal.
  • Customizable: Easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs.

What Makes This Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Special?

This dish isn’t just another skillet meal; it’s a bold and flavorful Mexican-inspired dinner that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen. The secret is in the perfect blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika, which give the beef an irresistible depth of flavor. Paired with tender rice and topped with melted cheddar cheese, this one-pan meal is a true crowd-pleaser.

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How to Customize Your Skillet Meal

  • Make it Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Go Low-Carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to keep it keto-friendly.
  • Add More Protein: Stir in some black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
  • Cheese Lovers: Try a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar for even more cheesy goodness.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Mexican beef and rice skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can take it to the next level with some tasty sides:

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  • Fresh Guacamole: The cool creaminess balances the savory flavors perfectly.
  • Crispy Tortilla Chips: Scoop up every last bite of the cheesy goodness.
  • Mexican Corn Salad: A bright and zesty side that complements the rich flavors.
  • Flour Tortillas: Wrap up the beef and rice for a delicious burrito-style meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish reheats beautifully! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Notes & Tips

  • For an extra kick of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving.
  • If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream at the end.
  • Double the recipe and freeze portions for a convenient make-ahead meal.

For more delicious and easy recipes, visit Betty Cooks!

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Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet – Easy One-Pan Dinner

A quick and delicious one-pan Mexican beef and rice skillet, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dinners
Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: butter swim biscuits easy recipes, cheesey potatoes easy recipe, chicken stirfry easy recipe, dinner recipes, easy recipes, easy recipes ninja creami, recipes for dinner
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Betty

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato sauce.
  4. Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or some jalapeños. Serve with sour cream and tortilla chips.

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