Description
Looking for a quick and hearty weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This Super Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is the ultimate one-pan wonder. Packed with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, sweet corn, black beans, and melty cheese, this dish delivers bold, satisfying comfort in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect answer for busy families, meal-prep warriors, or anyone craving a no-fuss meal loaded with southwest flair. Great for quick dinners, easy recipes, and food ideas when you’re short on time but still want something hearty and homemade.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small white onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup bell peppers, chopped (any color)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 1/2 cups water or beef broth
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Optional: 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion, garlic, and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes with juice, black beans, corn, rice, and taco seasoning. Mix well.
4. Pour in the water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until rice is tender.
5. Remove from heat, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover again, and let sit for a few minutes until melted.
6. Garnish with cilantro and cherry tomatoes if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne with the taco seasoning.
You can substitute brown rice or quinoa, but increase the liquid and simmer time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: quick dinner, beef skillet, easy recipe, one pan dinner, Mexican rice, family dinner