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Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

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This easy one-pot Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is a hearty, comforting family dinner packed with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, tangy tomatoes, and gooey cheese. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to please even picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sour cream, sliced avocado, or lime wedges (optional for serving)

Instructions

  1. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and cilantro (if using). Mince the garlic. Measure out all spices, rice, broth, and cheese.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5 minutes until mostly browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until veggies soften and onion turns translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Stir in uncooked rice and toast for 2 minutes until slightly golden and nutty smelling.
  5. Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
  6. Bring mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes. Stir halfway through and check rice for sticking. Add more broth if needed.
  7. Once rice is tender and liquid absorbed, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts. For a crispy top, broil for 2 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and sour cream. Serve hot with a squeeze of lime.

Notes

Toast the rice before adding liquid for extra flavor. Use low heat for simmering to avoid burning. Add more broth if rice looks dry. For a vegetarian version, swap beef for beans and use vegetable broth. Brown rice can be used with extra cooking time and broth. Cheese can be broiled for a crispy top. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican skillet, beef and rice, one-pot dinner, easy family meal, comfort food, weeknight recipe, cheesy skillet, ground beef recipe

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/mexican-beef-and-rice-skillet-easy-one-pot-family-dinner-recipe/