This Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Rice skillet dinner recipe brings vibrant flavors and easy preparation together in one pan. You’ll love how quickly this hearty meal comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying. Get ready for a delicious, family-friendly dinner that delivers big on taste.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease. Ground chicken or turkey are great alternatives.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice works best. Brown rice takes longer to cook; adjust liquid accordingly.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes add extra flavor.
- Corn: Frozen or canned corn (drained) is fine.
- Black Beans: Canned black beans, rinsed and drained, are convenient. Kidney beans can be substituted.
- Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend will also melt beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
- 1 ¾ cups beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 550 calories
- Tools Needed: Large skillet with a lid
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine and Simmer
Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, rinsed black beans, corn, beef broth, uncooked rice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Cook the Rice
Continue simmering until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. If the rice isn’t fully cooked and the liquid is gone, you can add a little more broth or water and continue to simmer.
5. Melt the Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the Tex-Mex ground beef and rice. Cover the skillet again for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a gooey layer.
6. Serve and Garnish
Uncover and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired. This makes a fantastic skillet dinner for any night.
Variation Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño with the onion, or extra cayenne pepper.
- Veggies Galore: Stir in diced bell peppers or zucchini with the onion for added nutrition.
- Creamy Texture: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese before adding the cheddar for a creamier sauce.
- Top with Avocado: Diced avocado or a spoonful of guacamole makes a great fresh topping.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use brown rice? Yes, but brown rice will require more liquid (around 2 ¼ cups) and a longer cooking time (about 30-40 minutes).
- What if the rice isn’t cooked but the liquid is gone? Add ¼ to ½ cup more beef broth or water, cover, and continue simmering until the rice is tender.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? You can prep ingredients like chopping the onion, but for best results, cook the full skillet dinner just before serving.
- Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Yes, you can freeze cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach can be stirred in during the simmering stage.
- How do I make this vegetarian? Omit the ground beef and use extra beans (like pinto beans) and vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Consider adding mushrooms or a plant-based ground crumble.