If you are craving a flavorful and hearty meal that comes together quickly in just one pan, this Mexican Rice Skillet Recipe is an absolute winner. Packed with juicy ground beef, aromatic spices, tender rice, and melty cheese, it’s a comforting dish that’s bursting with vibrant colors and bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or friends, this skillet meal brings all the warmth and satisfaction of a home-cooked dinner without the fuss. Get ready to dive into this incredible one-pan wonder that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your weekly rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mexican Rice Skillet Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to build a perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color, making the dish lively and delicious with every bite.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base to cook and brings out the richness of the beef and vegetables.
- Ground beef: The protein-packed star that adds hearty flavor and satisfying texture.
- Small onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth, finely diced for even cooking.
- Red bell pepper: Brings a pop of bright color and a mild crunch that complements the softness of the rice.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and an irresistible savory punch.
- Long grain white rice: The tender grain that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Diced tomatoes with juices: Add freshness, acidity, and moisture to keep the rice fluffy.
- Chicken broth: Enriches the rice with savory depth and ensures it cooks perfectly.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds a luscious, tangy richness.
- Chili powder: Gives the dish its signature warmth and subtle heat.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthy, smoky notes that elevate the Mexican flavor profile.
- Paprika: Brings gentle smokiness and enhances the color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Frozen corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and a fun pop of texture.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melts gooey and golden on top, adding creamy richness.
- Fresh cilantro: Finishes the dish with a fresh, vibrant herbal note.
How to Make Mexican Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned, using a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Browning the meat properly develops that rich, savory foundation for the dish. Once cooked, if there’s excess grease, carefully drain it to keep your skillet meal from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add the finely diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Stir and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until these vegetables soften and become fragrant. Then, stir in minced garlic and cook just for 30 seconds more—this brief cooking time ensures the garlic imparts its fantastic aroma without turning bitter.
Step 3: Add Rice and Seasonings
Now it’s time to bring all the flavors together by adding the uncooked long grain rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all these fantastic ingredients, making sure the rice is evenly coated in the tomatoey, spiced mixture.
Step 4: Simmer Until Rice is Tender
Bring the skillet’s contents to a gentle simmer, then cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 18 to 20 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb all the delicious broth and spices, becoming tender and fluffy. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep steam trapped and ensure perfectly cooked rice.
Step 5: Stir in Corn and Melt Cheese
Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, gently stir in the frozen corn for a fresh burst of sweetness. Then sprinkle an even layer of shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese over the top. Cover again and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible blanket over the rice.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove your skillet from the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a lively herbal finish. Now it’s ready to enjoy! Every spoonful brings together the warmth of spices, the softness of the rice, the bite of beef, and the cheesy, melty goodness all in one skillet.
How to Serve Mexican Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a must to brighten the dish, but you can also add dollops of sour cream or sliced avocado for creaminess and extra flavor contrast. A squeeze of lime juice over the top just before serving will add a zesty punch that instantly lifts every bite.
Side Dishes
This skillet is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some crunchy tortilla chips adds lovely texture contrast. For an even heartier meal, serve alongside black beans or refried beans to keep the Mexican feast flowing.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual dinners, serve straight from the skillet at the table—comfort food at its most charming. If you want to impress, plate it in shallow bowls and garnish delicately with additional cilantro, a few rings of pickled jalapeños, or a drizzle of crema for an elegant touch that still feels homey and approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mexican Rice Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making it an excellent choice for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
To freeze, let the skillet cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal taste and texture. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the rice. Cover to retain moisture and stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully in this Mexican Rice Skillet Recipe. They create a lighter version while still absorbing the spices beautifully. Just cook them thoroughly until no longer pink before proceeding with the recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
This dish has a gentle warmth from the chili powder and paprika, but it’s not overly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer a little extra kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or load up the skillet with extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and black beans to keep it hearty and filling while maintaining those fantastic Mexican flavors.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
Cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend works best because they melt nicely and add savory richness. However, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or even pepper jack for a little extra zing.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but the cooking time and liquid ratio will change. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll want to simmer it for around 40-45 minutes with a bit more broth. Adjust accordingly for texture and tenderness.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Rice Skillet Recipe is truly a joy to make and even better to eat. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it becomes a go-to comfort food that everyone asks for again and again. So grab your skillet, gather these simple ingredients, and enjoy making a delicious meal that warms the soul and delights the taste buds!
Print
Mexican Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This flavorful Mexican Rice Skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal that combines ground beef, rice, and vegetables with classic Mexican spices. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner, this recipe simmers everything together to create a comforting and cheesy dish that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the uncooked white rice, diced tomatoes with juices, chicken broth, tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Corn and Cheese: Stir in the frozen corn evenly throughout the skillet. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover again and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese has melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for freshness, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter version.
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with sour cream or sliced avocado on top for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
