Name: Mexican Beef Rice Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups rice; 3 cups chicken stock, beef stock, or water; 1 tablespoon avocado oil; 1/2 onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 pounds ground beef; 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 ounce) can whole corn kernels, drained; 1/4 cup taco seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend; Optional: fresh cilantro for topping

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This Mexican Beef Rice Skillet is such an easy weeknight meal and everything is made in one skillet!

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You all asked, so I’m answering. You need quick, easy, and healthy meals that your family will love. Today I have one of those for you! Make this Mexican ground beef skillet and dig into its rich & satisfying taste. It’ll be a favorite for the whole family, I promise!

Mexican Beef Rice Skillet is a go-to dinner when I need something that bursts with flavor but only takes minutes. My family enjoys it (and different versions of it–should I share them all?) regularly, and I love that it cooks in one large skillet for easy cleanup.

I only need lean ground beef and a simple homemade taco seasoning mix to make every bite pop with taste—a delicious dinner that satisfies everyone. Plus, this skillet’s leftovers stay fresh in an airtight container, so nothing goes to waste.

This easy recipe fits busy evenings, delivers a hearty meal, and always leaves us excited for more. Want to make it? Keep reading!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Recipe

One of the best things about this dish is how it fits seamlessly into my busy nights. I grab a large skillet, heat some oil, and toss in lean ground beef with a few simple add-ins. It’s one of those easy dinner recipes that take only minutes of your time to put together.

Quick and Convenient: This one-pan wonder spares me a sink full of dishes. I stir everything with my wooden spoon so cleanup stays easy.
Bursting with Flavor: I use taco seasoning mix, fire-roasted tomatoes, and hearty beans to keep the taste lively. You can finish it off with favorite toppings, such as green onions or hot sauce.
Great for Families: Even picky eaters enjoy this dish because they can change it around, like a dollop of cheese or a spoonful of salsa.
Simple Storage: The leftovers of my Mexican rice skillet stay fresh in an airtight container. Reheat and top with crumbled tortilla chips for an easy recipe that tastes just as good the next day. This makes it a great make-ahead meal, too. I call it one of my favorite one-skillet meals for good reason!

Ingredients Needed to Make This One-Skillet Dinner

You only need a few simple ingredients and a trusty skillet to put together this rice skillet recipe—no long list of ingredients, fewer dishes to do. If this sounds like an easy meal you’d want to put together on busy weeknights, here’s what you need:

White rice: Hearty base for the dish. If you want to use brown rice for this, you’ll need to precook it some or the timing will be off.
Chicken stock, beef stock, or water: For moisture and mild flavor. I prefer beef stock here but any of these will work.
Avocado oil: Ideal for sautéing.
Onion, diced: For sweet, savory notes. Onion also provides fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
Bell pepper, diced: Brings color and a good amount of vitamin C to the meal.
Ground beef: I prefer to use grass-fed ground beef for the extra nutrients. Beef is an excellent source of protein, zinc, and iron.
Black beans: Boosts fiber, adds more protein, as well as calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
Whole corn kernels: Adds natural sweetness and a nice pop of color to the dish.
Taco seasoning: Delivers classic spice. I suggest using my healthy homemade taco seasoning. I always have it on hand!
Kosher salt & black pepper: Balances the taste.
Shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts to a creamy finish.
Optional: fresh cilantro for topping

How to Make a Mexican Beef Rice Skillet

This 30 minute weeknight dinner couldn’t be easier to make! If you’d like the printable instructions, keep scrolling to the recipe card and you’ll find them there.

In a large skillet with high sides, heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil until hot. Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add in the ground beef and sauté until browned, 5 more minutes.
To the same skillet, add the beans, corn, rice, 1/4 cup taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine, and cover the skillet for 15 minutes with the heat on medium low.
Remove the cover and stir in 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend. Serve immediately.

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Variations You Can Try With Mexican Rice Skillet

I like to change things up when I want different flavors from my Mexican rice skillet. If you have extra ingredients on hand, you can do the same. These tips help you customize the dish while enjoying a delicious dinner whenever you crave a fresh twist.

Swap the Meat

If you want to reduce excess grease, use ground turkey or ground chicken in place of beef. I warm a drizzle of olive oil in the pan, then add the poultry with a sprinkle of minced garlic and diced tomatoes for extra juice.

Choose Your Rice

If you prefer a longer simmer, this dish works with uncooked rice, or you can pick instant rice when time is tight. I sometimes add some tomato sauce or homemade taco seasoning for a deeper taste. You still get flavorful rice at the end. Watch your rice mixture to keep it from sticking, and stir it now and then for smooth cooking. If you want to use brown rice, precook it for about 25 minutes before adding it to the skillet.

Add More Veggies

If you want to make this skillet recipe even better, add in fresh onion, extra peppers, and a spoonful of pico de gallo. That simple step makes it one of my favorite pot meals. You can add sliced jalapeños for more heat. Extra veggies give you a vibrant dish and keep everyone happy at dinner tonight.

Play with Toppings

It’s also good to sprinkle cheddar cheese for a final touch, but you can go all in and create a cheesy Mexican beef effect by adding lots of cheese. Some of my favorite taco toppings include sliced avocado and lime wedges. You can also serve a small bowl of sour cream. It’s fun to set out a variety of garnishes so each person can customize.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken. Brown it well before adding other ingredients. You can also drain any extra fat if needed.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook it earlier and store it in an airtight container. Add a splash of liquid when reheating so the rice doesn’t dry out. It remains convenient and tasty.

How long can I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in a skillet or the microwave with a little water if needed. They still taste good, especially when topped fresh.

Mexican Beef Rice Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Recipe

Ingredients Needed to Make This One-Skillet Dinner

How to Make a Mexican Beef Rice Skillet