Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Name: Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground beef; 1 cup Long-grain rice; 1 can Black beans (drained and rinsed); 1 can Corn (drained); 1 cup Salsa; 1 tsp Chili powder; 1 tsp Cumin; 1/2 tsp Garlic powder; 1/2 tsp Onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups Beef broth; Cheddar cheese for topping (optional); Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

ByGrace February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

Delicious Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet ready to serve

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You know those evenings where you just crave something hearty and comforting, but you also want it to come together without much fuss? That’s precisely why I adore this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet. This dish brings back warm memories of dinners spent with friends, where laughter mingled with the tantalizing aroma wafting through the kitchen. Quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for a gathering, it feels like a fiesta right on your stovetop!

What makes this recipe special

So, why should you whip up this Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet? First off, it’s a symphony of flavors, where smoky cumin dances with zesty salsa and comforting beef. You’ve got that delightful combination of beef and rice that wraps you in a cozy embrace, with the delightful surprise of black beans and corn adding both texture and a pop of color. What sets this dish apart is its versatility! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual get-together, this skillet recipe fits perfectly into any scenario.

In a pinch? This skillet comes together in just 30 minutes! With hearty ingredients that often reside in your pantry, it’s an effortless crowd-pleaser while being packed with protein and fiber—who doesn’t love that?

Gather these ingredients

1 lb Ground beef: Opt for an 80/20 blend for juicy flavor, but feel free to substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option!
1 cup Long-grain rice: This is the backbone of your dish—you want rice that cooks evenly and isn’t too sticky.
1 can Black beans (drained and rinsed): A fantastic source of fiber and protein, these add that perfect hearty touch.
1 can Corn (drained): Sweet and crunchy, corn offers a delightful contrast to the beef and beans.
1 cup Salsa: Get creative here! Your favorite mild or hot salsa can transform the flavor profile entirely.
1 tsp Chili powder: This gives it a warm kick; adjust according to your heat tolerance.
1 tsp Cumin: The aromatic spice that really rounds out those Mexican flavors.
1/2 tsp Garlic powder: It adds subtle depth to the dish, but fresh garlic could work brilliantly, too.
1/2 tsp Onion powder: To enhance that savory profile without the chunks!
Salt and pepper to taste: Always essential for balancing flavors.
2 cups Beef broth: Enhance the dish’s richness—using homemade broth, if you have it, is a game changer!
Cheddar cheese for topping (optional): Because cheese makes everything better, right?
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): A fresh sprinkle adds that burst of color and breath of freshness.

Preparing Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Ready to bring it all together? Let’s dive into this easy, enjoyable cooking journey:

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully cooked. Drain any excess fat; no one likes greasy rice!
Add in the rice, black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together like you’re mixing a bowl of happiness.
Pour in the beef broth and mix until everything is combined. That’s where the magic happens!
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover it. Let it do its thing!
Cook for about 20-25 minutes, checking occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid like a sponge. You’ll know you’ve hit the jackpot!
Once done, if you’re feeling cheesy, sprinkle some cheddar on top and let it melt into that glorious goodness.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving—the burst of color and flavor is a treat!

Best way to enjoy it

Serve this colorful skillet straight from the pan, family-style, and let everyone dig in! It’s great on its own, but if you’re looking to amp up your dinner game, consider serving it with a side of guacamole or some crunchy tortilla chips for that delightful contrast. For an extra flourish, a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime brightens up every bite.

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This skillet keeps well in the fridge for up to three days—just pop it in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just remember to cool it down before freezing to keep flavors intact.

When it’s time to reheat, you can either do so in the oven on low heat covered with foil or microwave it gently to bring back that cozy warmth. If it feels a bit dry, a splash of broth can help rejuvenate it!

Helpful cooking tips

Here are a few pro tips to ensure perfect results:

Keep the heat moderate! You want to brown the meat nicely, not scorch it.
Feel free to experiment with spices; add a dash of smoked paprika or some fresh jalapeños for an extra kick!
If you’re short on beef broth, a combination of water and seasoning can work just fine!

Flavor swaps

Wanna jazz it up? Here are a few twists to consider:

Cilantro Lime Rice: Swap the plain rice for lime-infused rice for a zesty twist.
Southwestern Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers or zucchini for added freshness.
Spicy Kick: Change the salsa for a spicier variety or mix in some chipotle peppers!

Ingredients

1 lb Ground beef
1 cup Long-grain rice
1 can Black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can Corn (drained)
1 cup Salsa
1 tsp Chili powder
1 tsp Cumin
1/2 tsp Garlic powder
1/2 tsp Onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups Beef broth
Cheddar cheese for topping (optional)
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions to follow

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
Drain excess fat, then stir in rice, black beans, corn, salsa, seasonings, and beef broth.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover.
Cook for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and top with cheddar cheese, if using.
Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Common questions

Can I use brown rice instead? Absolutely! Just remember it will require a longer cooking time.
What should I serve with this dish? Think about a fresh side salad or some homemade tortilla chips for that crunch.
How can I make it vegetarian? Swap the beef for textured vegetable protein (TVP) or mushrooms for a hearty texture and flavor.
Can I make it ahead of time? Yes! Prepare it a day earlier and simply reheat—it actually develops even better flavors!
How spicy is this dish? It’s customizable! Use mild salsa for a low heat or kick it up with hot salsa, jalapeños, or cayenne!

Cooking is one of life’s simple joys; it connects us to our creativity and to each other. This Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet not only fuels the belly but celebrates togetherness and joy. I can’t wait for you to try it! Embellish it with your own twists, and share your thoughts down below. Happy cooking!