This Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal packed with bold spices, tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables. It’s designed for busy days when you want a comforting, flavorful dinner without a pile of dishes afterward.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll appreciate how everything cooks in a single skillet, saving time and cleanup. The flavors are warm and balanced, with just the right amount of spice. It’s filling enough for the whole family, easy to customize, and made with simple pantry ingredients that come together into a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef, 500 g
olive oil, 1 tablespoon
yellow onion, finely chopped, 1 medium (about 150 g)
garlic cloves, minced, 3
long-grain white rice, uncooked, 1 cup (200 g)
beef broth, 2 cups (480 ml)
tomato sauce, 1 cup (240 ml)
red bell pepper, diced, 1 medium (120 g)
corn kernels, fresh or frozen, 1 cup (150 g)
chili powder, 2 teaspoons
ground cumin, 1 teaspoon
paprika, 1 teaspoon
dried oregano, 1 teaspoon
salt, 1 teaspoon
black pepper, ½ teaspoon
fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped, 2 tablespoons

Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the beef is evenly coated with the spices.

Add the uncooked rice, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine, making sure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Stir in the diced red bell pepper and corn. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Remove from heat and let the skillet rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh coriander before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people generously.
Preparation time is about 10 minutes.
Cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Total time needed is around 40 minutes.

Variations

For a spicier version, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chopped green chilies. You can swap white rice for brown rice, increasing the cooking time by about 10 minutes and adding an extra ½ cup of broth. For a lighter option, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground chicken or turkey.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat just before serving for best flavor.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. Add extra liquid and extend the simmering time.

Is this dish spicy?

It has mild to medium heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the chili powder.

Can I freeze Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet?

Yes, let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

What vegetables can I add?

Zucchini, peas, or diced carrots work well and add extra color and nutrition.

Can I cook this without a lid?

A lid is recommended to help the rice cook evenly. Without one, the liquid may evaporate too quickly.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking?

Stir once before simmering and keep the heat low while covered.

Can I use homemade tomato sauce?

Yes, homemade tomato sauce works perfectly as long as it’s smooth and well-seasoned.

What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with a fresh green salad or warm flatbread.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s family-friendly. Simply keep the spices mild if serving to younger children.

Conclusion

Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is a comforting, flavorful meal that brings everything together in one pan. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable to your taste, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying without extra effort.

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