Description
This super easy Mexican beef and rice skillet recipe is a quick one-pan dinner packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor, juicy ground beef, fluffy rice, and rich spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty skillet is family-friendly, naturally gluten-free, and ready in under 30 minutes. Ideal for those looking for an easy Mexican rice recipe, beef rice skillet, or Tex-Mex comfort food.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until the beef mixture is evenly coated.
4. Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes with juice, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. Pour in the uncooked rice and stir until it’s fully mixed in and submerged in liquid.
6. Bring the mixture to a light boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Remove the lid, fluff with a fork, and top with shredded cheese if using. Cover again until the cheese melts. Serve hot.
Notes
This dish freezes well for up to 2 months.
Feel free to mix in corn, black beans, or bell peppers.
Use broth instead of water to maximize flavor when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg