Description
If you’re craving a quick dinner that’s hearty, packed with flavor, and super easy to throw together, this Super Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet will hit the spot. It’s a one-pan wonder loaded with seasoned beef, rice, beans, cheese, and veggies—everything you want in a comforting Tex-Mex meal. Whether you’re short on time or just need dinner ideas fast, this easy recipe checks every box for a family-friendly, budget-friendly, and flavorful solution. Think: quick dinner, easy recipe, weekday meal idea, one-pot food ideas, or even healthy-ish comfort food!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 cups cooked white rice
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir to coat the beef and onion evenly.
4. Add diced bell peppers, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir well and let simmer for 5–7 minutes.
5. Stir in the cooked rice until everything is well combined and heated through.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let sit for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro and cherry tomatoes, if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Use cold or day-old rice for the best texture—fresh rice can get mushy in the skillet.
Adjust seasoning to your taste—spice it up with jalapeños or hot sauce if desired.
Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to deepen and cheese to set.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: quick dinner, easy recipe, Mexican skillet, one-pan meal, beef and rice, weeknight meal