Description
Mexican beef and rice skillet brings hearty comfort to weeknight dinners with minimal prep. Family members savor spicy ground beef mixed with fluffy rice, topped with fresh cilantro and zesty cheese for a complete meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
Starches
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Optional Toppings
- Sliced jalapenos
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, preparing for the savory Mexican-inspired dish.
- Brown ground beef thoroughly, carefully eliminating excess grease to maintain a clean, rich flavor profile.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and vibrant bell peppers, sautéing until vegetables become tender and aromatic.
- Add minced garlic, stirring for 60 seconds to release its intense fragrance and enhance the overall taste.
- Combine tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked rice, sweet corn, black beans, and a blend of robust spices including chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, covering the skillet and allowing it to simmer for approximately 18-20 minutes until rice reaches perfect tenderness.
- Generously distribute shredded cheese across the surface, covering the skillet briefly to ensure complete melting and creating a creamy, indulgent layer.
- Finish the dish by scattering fresh cilantro leaves and serving with zesty lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus.
- For an enhanced culinary experience, consider topping with sliced jalapenos, creamy avocado, dollops of sour cream, and accompanying tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
- Brown the meat thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavor and eliminate any raw meat taste.
- Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and consistent cooking results.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding fresh jalapeños according to preference.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein alternatives.
- Prep all ingredients beforehand to ensure smooth, efficient cooking process.
- Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help rice absorb remaining moisture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 495 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg