Craving a delicious, hearty, and easy-to-make dish that’s sure to satisfy the entire family? Look no further! Our Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights and festive gatherings. Packed with flavor and requiring minimal cleanup, this recipe is a must-try. Read on to discover how to make this mouthwatering meal, along with tips, variations, and more.
What is Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet?
Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is a one-pan dish that combines seasoned ground beef, rice, vegetables, and spices to create a delicious, savory meal. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the rich, bold flavors that come together in each bite.
Ingredients List for Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
Basic Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef.
- Rice: 1 cup of long-grain white rice.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
- Bell Peppers: 2 bell peppers (any color), diced.
- Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce.
- Beef Broth: 2 cups of beef broth.
- Corn: 1 cup of frozen or canned corn.
- Black Beans: 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans, drained and rinsed.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Spices: 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste.
- Cheese: 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped, for garnish.
- Lime: 1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving.
Optional Ingredients:
- Jalapeños: Sliced, for added heat.
- Avocado: Sliced, for a creamy topping.
- Sour Cream: For serving.
- Tortilla Chips: For a crunchy side.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitutions:
- Protein: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a different twist.
- Rice: Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
- Vegetables: Add or substitute with zucchini, spinach, or tomatoes based on your preference.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cheesy Delight: Increase the amount of cheese or try different varieties like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
- Low-Carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbs.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
How to Cook Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop Vegetables: Finely chop the onion, bell peppers, and garlic.
- Rinse Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
- Add Onions and Garlic: Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add Bell Peppers: Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for a few more minutes until they begin to soften.
Step 4: Add Rice and Spices
- Add Rice: Stir the rinsed rice into the skillet, ensuring it’s well mixed with the beef and vegetables.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Add Liquids and Simmer
- Pour in Tomato Sauce and Broth: Add the tomato sauce and beef broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and tender.
Step 6: Add Corn and Beans
- Stir in Corn and Beans: Add the corn and black beans to the skillet. Stir well to combine and heat through.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Garnish
- Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover and let it melt for a few minutes.
- Garnish: Once the cheese is melted, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Rice: Keep an eye on the rice to ensure it doesn’t overcook and become mushy.
- Undercooking Vegetables: Make sure the bell peppers are softened before adding the rice and liquids.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Don’t skimp on the spices; they’re essential for the bold flavors in this dish.
- Skipping the Rinse: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming too sticky.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
- Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the skillet.
- Garnish with Fresh Ingredients: Top with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices for added freshness and flavor.
- Pair with Sides: Serve with tortilla chips, a side salad, or warm tortillas.
Presentation Ideas for Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
- Colorful Garnishes: Use vibrant toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, and colorful bell peppers.
- Serve in the Skillet: Present the dish in the skillet for a rustic, family-style meal.
- Individual Bowls: For a more formal setting, serve portions in individual bowls with garnishes neatly arranged on top.
Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and measure spices in advance to save time.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go and adjust seasonings to your preference.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and bell peppers enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeños to suit your heat tolerance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: Can I freeze Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet?
A: Absolutely! Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or a mix of beans.
Q: What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
A: You can use diced tomatoes or a tomato-based salsa as a substitute for tomato sauce.
Q: Can I use instant rice?
A: Yes, you can use instant rice. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the rice.
Conclusion
Our Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing for a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again. Give it a try today, and don’t forget to share your variations and tips with us! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
PrintMexican Beef And Rice Skillet Recipe
Discover the delicious Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This flavorful dish combines lean ground beef, long-grain white rice, diced bell peppers, and a mix of spices for an easy, one-pan dinner that your family will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef.
- Rice: 1 cup of long-grain white rice.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
- Bell Peppers: 2 bell peppers (any color), diced.
- Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce.
- Beef Broth: 2 cups of beef broth.
- Corn: 1 cup of frozen or canned corn.
- Black Beans: 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans, drained and rinsed.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Spices: 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste.
- Cheese: 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped, for garnish.
- Lime: 1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving.
- Optional Ingredients: Jalapeños (sliced), avocado (sliced), sour cream, tortilla chips.
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the chopped onion and diced bell peppers, cooking until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Mix in the tomato sauce, beef broth, rice, corn, black beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, until rice is cooked.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet and cover until melted.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
- Optional: Top with sliced jalapeños, avocado, sour cream, and serve with tortilla chips.
Notes
- Adjust spices to taste if you prefer more or less heat.
- Use brown rice for a healthier alternative, but increase the cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
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