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
Scale
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
