Name: Super Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups cooked rice; 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning; 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color); 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Need dinner in under 30 minutes that satisfies the whole family? This Super Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is your go-to! With juicy ground beef, tender rice, zesty tomatoes, black beans, and a medley of bold spices, it’s a flavor-packed one-pan meal that keeps cleanup simple and weeknights delicious.

Perfect for busy evenings or lazy Sundays, this hearty skillet delivers cozy comfort with every bite. Think of it as taco night’s more relaxed (but equally tasty) cousin. You can customize the heat level, add your favorite toppings like avocado or sour cream, and even turn leftovers into burritos the next day.

What Kind of Ground Beef Works Best?

For this recipe, opt for 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef. These blends offer a good balance between flavor and less grease. If you’re using fattier beef, just make sure to drain the excess fat after browning to avoid a greasy skillet.

Ingredients for the Super Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Ground Beef – The savory base of the dish, bringing richness and protein.

Cooked Rice – A hearty filler that soaks up all the delicious flavors. White rice or brown rice both work well.

Black Beans – Adds creaminess, fiber, and a bit of earthy flavor.

Corn Kernels – For a touch of sweetness and texture contrast.

Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies – Provides tang, moisture, and a spicy kick.

Taco Seasoning – The spice blend that pulls it all together.

Bell Peppers – Adds crunch and color to the skillet.

Onion & Garlic – Essential aromatics to deepen the flavor profile.

Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully over the top for that perfect finishing touch.

Olive Oil – For sautéing the vegetables and beef.

How To Make the Super Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and cook until fragrant and translucent.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. If there’s excess grease, drain it before proceeding.

Step 3: Add the Veggies

Toss in diced bell peppers, corn, and black beans. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies begin to soften.

Step 4: Spice It Up

Mix in the taco seasoning, followed by the diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let everything simmer together so the flavors meld.

Step 5: Fold in the Rice

Add your cooked rice to the skillet and mix thoroughly. Make sure the rice absorbs the sauce and everything is evenly combined.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top and cover the skillet for a couple of minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped cherry tomatoes, fresh cilantro, or sliced avocado if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet!

Super Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Best Ways to Serve and Store This Skillet

Serve this dish right out of the skillet for a rustic, no-fuss vibe. Leftovers are even better the next day! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen things up.

What to Serve With Super Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet?

Tortilla Chips

Perfect for scooping and adding crunch to each bite.

Avocado Slices

Creamy avocado balances out the spices with cool richness.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt

A dollop on top adds a tangy, cooling element.

Lime Wedges

A squeeze of lime brightens everything up.

Shredded Lettuce

Serve it over a bed of lettuce for a burrito bowl feel.

Pickled Jalapeños

For those who love a fiery kick!

Warm Flour Tortillas

Scoop and wrap it all up taco-style.

Mexican Street Corn

Want more Mexican flavor? This is your sidekick!

Want More Skillet Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this hearty skillet, you’ll want to bookmark these easy and cozy one-pan favorites:

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up more or mellow it down? Did you sneak in extra veggies?

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