Introduction
If you’re someone who loves big flavors but hates doing dishes, this easy one skillet Mexican beef and rice recipe is going to be your new best friend. We all know how busy life can get. After a long day, the last thing you want is to juggle multiple pots and pans in the kitchen. That’s where this dish comes in. It brings all the bold and satisfying flavors of your favorite Mexican meals into a single, simple skillet.
This recipe is perfect for families, roommates, or anyone looking for a quick meal with easy cleanup. It’s loaded with protein from lean ground beef and packed with fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and spices that deliver just the right amount of heat. Everything cooks together in one pan, which means the rice soaks up all the savory goodness from the beef and broth. The result is a warm, comforting meal that feels like it took hours to make even though it’s ready in under 40 minutes.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a casual dinner night, or just need something easy and delicious to whip up, this one skillet Mexican beef and rice covers it all. It’s customizable, budget-friendly, and doesn’t require any fancy cooking skills. Just follow the steps, stir everything together, and let the skillet do its magic.
Ingredients Needed
To make this dish, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. It’s made with pantry staples like rice, canned tomatoes, and taco seasoning, along with fresh produce like onion and bell pepper. This combination creates a flavorful base that you can build on with your favorite toppings or mix-ins.
Here’s a complete list of ingredients along with a breakdown of the calories per serving. This recipe serves about 4 people.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Lean ground beef (90% lean) | 1 lb | 288 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 30 |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium | 10 |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | 5 |
| Bell pepper (chopped) | 1 medium | 12 |
| Diced tomatoes (with juice) | 1 can (14.5 oz) | 15 |
| Tomato sauce | 1/2 cup | 20 |
| Long-grain white rice | 1 cup (uncooked) | 205 |
| Beef broth | 2 cups | 15 |
| Taco seasoning | 2 tablespoons | 10 |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | — |
| Optional: shredded cheese | 1/2 cup | 55 |
| Optional: fresh cilantro | For garnish | 1 |
Total calories per serving: around 666 kcal
This estimate may vary slightly depending on the brands and quantities you use.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add your chopped onion and bell pepper. Let them cook for about four to five minutes until they soften and start to release their flavor.
Next, add your ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink. This should take about six to eight minutes. If there is any excess fat in the skillet, you can drain it out at this stage.
Now stir in your minced garlic and taco seasoning. Let that cook for about a minute. This step helps the spices bloom and gives the beef more depth of flavor.
Once the seasoning is well combined, add the uncooked white rice straight into the skillet. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, the tomato sauce, and the beef broth. Stir everything together really well. Make sure the rice is fully submerged so it cooks evenly.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer. This will take about 20 to 25 minutes. Check occasionally to make sure the rice isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pan. You’ll know it’s done when the rice is tender and the liquid has been mostly absorbed.
When everything is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. If you like, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover it for a minute or two so the cheese can melt. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to customize. You can swap ingredients in or out depending on what you have or what you like. Here are a few ideas to make the recipe your own.
If you like things spicy, feel free to add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you’re cooking the onions. Want to make it even more filling? Stir in a can of black beans or corn after the rice is cooked.
Not a fan of beef or trying to cut back on red meat? Ground turkey or chicken works just as well in this recipe. You can even make it vegetarian by using plant-based meat or extra veggies and switching the beef broth to vegetable broth.
You can also play with the cheese. A Mexican cheese blend adds more richness, while queso fresco or pepper jack brings a little twist.
For a healthier option, use brown rice instead of white rice. Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook and may require extra liquid. Try adding another half cup of broth and cooking it for about 10 more minutes.
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving for this dish.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 666 kcal |
| Protein | 35 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 48 grams |
| Fat | 34 grams |
| Fiber | 5 grams |
| Sodium | 720 milligrams |
| Sugar | 6 grams |
These values are based on standard ingredients and may vary depending on what brands or substitutions you use.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is super versatile and works well on its own or with a few simple sides. If you want to round out the meal, serve it with tortilla chips and guacamole. A fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette also makes a refreshing side.
Top it off with your favorite extras like avocado slices, sour cream, or a splash of hot sauce. You can even scoop the mixture into taco shells or wrap it in tortillas for an easy burrito.
Leftovers are just as tasty the next day. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It also freezes well if you want to save some for later.
Conclusion
This easy one skillet Mexican beef and rice is a go-to recipe for good reason. It’s quick, comforting, and full of flavor with minimal effort. You only need one pan and a few basic ingredients to create a meal that feels warm and home-cooked every time.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. It’s the kind of dish that can be made your own with just a few tweaks, and it never gets boring. Try it once and you’ll want to keep it in your weekly dinner rotation.
If you’re looking for more easy dinner ideas like this, stay tuned. Great food doesn’t have to be complicated, and this one skillet wonder proves it.