• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Savory Nothings logo

  • Recipe Index
    • Easy Dinner Recipes
      • Slow Cooker
      • One Pot Meals
      • Quick Meals
      • Instant Pot
    • Side Dishes
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Small Meals
  • Dinner Ideas
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Dinner Ideas
  • Easter
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • About
  • Subscribe
Γ—

Home / Recipes / Dinner / One Pot / Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

30 mins
| 107 Comments |
4.74 from 225 votes
Jump to Recipe 05/19/20 | Updated: 12/09/20 | by Nora
image collage for mexican beef and rice with text overlay

Need a super easy recipe for dinner tonight? My beef and rice skillet has you covered: One skillet, simple ingredients, 15 minutes of prep time… A keeper for sure!

close up photo of Mexican beef and rice with fresh tomatoes on top

I don’t know about you, but I need easy dinner ideas pretty much every day of the week. And easy to me means little prep time, uncomplicated ingredients, not a lot of dishes to cook it.

My Mexican inspired beef and rice skillet? Definitely ticks all of those boxes. Let’s make it!

Ingredients you’ll need

Here is an overview of the ingredients in the skillet (great to use as a visual grocery list at the store!). Scroll down to the recipe for quantities.

top down view on ingredients to make Mexican beef and rice
Ingredients for Mexican beef and rice: Ground beef, rice, salsa, tomato paste, salt, pepper, taco seasoning, peppers, onion & garlic, corn, black beans, beef broth and olive oil.

Ingredient notes

  • Taco seasoning:Β I always make my own to control the spiciness (my kids can’t handle anything remotely spicy),Β click here for my taco seasoning recipe.
  • Black beans:Β I always cook my own in my instant pot – it’s super easy and SO much cheaper!Β Click here for my tutorial. Can also use kidney beans instead of black.
  • Rice: I have made this with both white and brown parboiled rice (brown in the photo); both work – the brown needs longer to cook though. For the recipe to cook in the time stated, you’ll need to use a parboiled white rice that cooks in 10-15 minutes.
  • Salsa: A mild, chunky salsa works best for us. Feel free to use hot salsa if your kids can handle it.

Step by step photos

This is a really, really easy meal to cook. All you have to do is brown the beef with onion and garlic, stir in the diced peppers and seasoning… Then stir in the remaining ingredients and simmer with the lid on.

collage of step by step photos to make beef and rice

Tips & tricks

  • Do not pre-cook the rice: That’s right, the rice can go in uncooked! If you pre-cook it, the entire dish will turn into soup. So, don’t πŸ˜‰
  • Don’t skip the browning step: I know it can be tempting to skip this step to save time, but you’ll miss out on a lot of flavor if you don’t brown the meat and onions.
  • Spiciness: This is how I make the dish for my 2 and 4 year old kids. If you’re not making this for kids (or have older kids), you can add some zing and heat by using chili powder along with the taco seasoning, and stirring through some lime juice after cooking.
top down view on a skillet filled with beef and rice

Side dish ideas

This really is an all-in-one meal, so I usually just make a salad to go with it. Our favorites are my Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad, but a simple Coleslaw is also delicious!

We also enjoy some shredded cheese and lime wedges, plus obviously corn chips – we are not allowed to serve anything Mexican inspired without corn chips in our home. Order of our 4 and 6 year olds πŸ˜‰


If you need a new idea for ground beef – try this one for a change. It has so many great reviews from readers who already made it. A true favorite!

pan with rice, beef, fresh tomatoes and cilantro

More ground beef recipes

  • One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
  • Easy American Goulash (One Pot!)
  • The Easiest Crockpot Stuffed Peppers
  • Instant Pot Chili

You can browse all of my ground beef recipes here. I also have a lot of one pot meals if you click here or easy dinners in general if you click here!

PSΒ If you try this recipe, please leaveΒ a review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along onΒ Pinterest,Β FacebookΒ orΒ Instagram.Β Sign up for my email list, too!

Printable Recipe Card
top down view on a skillet filled with beef and rice
Save Recipe Saved!

Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

This simple beef and rice recipe is easy, convenient, low on the dishes and absolutely tasty!
Recipe by Nora from Savory Nothings
made it? tap the stars to add your rating!
4.74 from 225 votes
Print Add Review

Recipe details

Prep 10 mins
Cook 20 mins
Total 30 mins
Servings 6 servings
Difficulty Easy

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Ingredients
 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 red pepper diced
  • 1 yellow pepper diced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 cup rice (parboiled preferred; see notes)
  • 1.5 cups broth or more if it seems dry
  • 1 jar (16-oz) chunky salsa
  • 1 can (15-oz) black beans
  • 1 cup sweet corn canned OR frozen
  • Shredded cheese, lime wedges, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, tortilla chips…. optional, to serve

Instructions
 

  • Brown meat:
    Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and beef and cook until browned. Stir in the diced peppers and cook for 1 more minute.
  • Add remaining ingredients:
    Stir in the tomato paste, taco seasoning, salt and pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Add the rice, broth, salsa, black beans and corn and stir well.
  • Cook:
    Bring to a simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat and gently cook for around 15 minutes, or until cooked through. Add more broth if necessary.
  • Serve:
    Top with shredded cheese and cover for another 2 minutes, if you like. Serve with your favorite toppings.
Want to save this recipe?Create an account for free to start your personal recipe box. Save any recipe by tapping the heart in the bottom right corner.
Join Now

Notes

Rice:Β You’ll need to use a parboiled rice that cooks in around 15 minutes for the recipe to cook in the time stated (check your rice package and you should find the cooking time there). And please don’t pre-cook the rice! That’s right, the rice can go in uncooked! If you pre-cook it, the entire dish will turn into soup. So, don’t πŸ˜‰
Spiciness: This is how I make the dish for my 2 and 4 year old kids. If you’re not making this for kids (or have older kids), you can add some zing and heat by using chili powder along with the taco seasoning, and stirring through some lime juice after cooking.
Taco seasoning: I always make my own, click here for my recipe!
Black beans: I always cook my own in my instant pot – it’s super easy and SO much cheaper! Click here for my recipe.
Don’t skip the browning step: I know it can be tempting to skip this step to save time, but you’ll miss out on a lot of flavor if you don’t brown the meat and onions.
Switch up the meat: You can use ground turkey instead of ground beef, if you prefer.
Please note: If you need this to be gluten free, make sure to check all your ingredients are labelled “gluten free”.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/6 of recipeCalories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 26gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 877mgPotassium: 910mgFiber: 8gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1296IUVitamin C: 67mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 4mg
Nutrition is an estimate.

More recipe information

Suitable for: Gluten Free
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

More easy and delicious rice recipes you’ll love:

One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls

Easy Chicken Fried Rice

I originally published this recipe on March 13, 2019. I updated it on May 20, 2020 to make it better for you.

Nora Rusev from Savory Nothings
About NoraΒ 
When I got married to my professional chef husband, I realized I had to step up my game in the kitchen. Now I share my favorite foolproof family recipes here on Savory Nothings: Chef-approved, kid-vetted and easy enough for everyday home cooks like you and me! Β Β Learn more.

Reader Interactions

view down on a pan with stroganoff and egg noodles, kitchen tongs sticking in the noodles

< Previous Post

close up photo of a stack of millionaire's shortbread bars

Next Post >

Add a Review or Ask a Question Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Made this recipe? Rate it:




Comments

  1. Darby says

    May 15, 2021 at 3:29 am

    5 stars
    My boyfriend and I eat this as burrito filling and it is SO good. Topped with some sour cream and guacamole!! We’ve also tried it with kidney beans instead of black beans and it was still really great.

    Reply
    • Nora says

      May 15, 2021 at 6:39 pm

      That sounds delicious, Darby!

      Reply
  2. Carol says

    May 03, 2021 at 8:01 pm

    Can I use the boil-in-a-bag rice?

    Reply
    • Nora says

      May 06, 2021 at 10:19 am

      Carol, I have never tried it myself so I can’t say it will work 100%. But I would assume it’s fine as long as the box indicates a cooking time around 15 minutes (and you obviously need to remove it from the bag you would usually cook it in). If it cooks in less than 15 minutes, reduce the amount of broth added to 3/4 cup, then add more gradually as the dish simmers.

      Reply
  3. Marita says

    April 23, 2021 at 2:56 am

    5 stars
    Excellent!
    I made this tonight and loved the flavours and especially how to add all the toppings!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      April 24, 2021 at 11:39 pm

      I’m so glad, Marita!

      Reply
  4. Vita says

    April 09, 2021 at 1:25 am

    5 stars
    First time making it and me and the kids gobbled it up! Served with shredded cheese on top and nacho chips! I modified it using 1/2 the corn and white beans (instead of black beans) plus added more taco seasoning and a bit of salt. I used brown rice as well and cooked it longer… I also substituted the tomato paste for about a cup of pasta sauce. I had to add a bit more broth due to the longer cooking time. Now I hope it freezes well because it was so filling we have so much left over!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      April 10, 2021 at 2:44 pm

      I’m glad you enjoyed it, Vita!

      Reply
  5. Tmay says

    March 24, 2021 at 2:42 am

    Winner winner taco dinner! A great recipe that each person can adjust to their own taste. Definitely a winner.

    Reply
    • Nora says

      March 26, 2021 at 5:44 pm

      I’m so glad!

      Reply
  6. Brenda says

    February 25, 2021 at 5:10 am

    5 stars
    Wonderful dish. I doubled it and we really enjoyed it! Will be making it again!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      February 27, 2021 at 1:24 pm

      I’m so glad, Brenda!

      Reply
  7. Erin says

    February 17, 2021 at 10:43 pm

    Can you make this with quinoa instead of rice?

    Reply
    • Nora says

      February 18, 2021 at 2:10 pm

      Erin, yes absolutely! It may need a little less liquid to cook than the rice, so I suggest adding 1 cup of broth to start, then add more as it simmers when needed. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  8. Katelyn Kelly says

    February 03, 2021 at 2:06 am

    5 stars
    THIS. IS. SO. GOOD! I love how easy it is to make especially in just one pot, added in some chili powder for some spice. Phenomenal!

    Reply
  9. Melissa says

    January 31, 2021 at 5:33 pm

    5 stars
    I live in a studio apt. And only have a single burner induction hot plate so I needed more variety in my cooking menu. I tried this and it was amazing. Definitely will be making this again and again. Thank you

    Reply
  10. kim says

    January 19, 2021 at 3:38 am

    5 stars
    Made this with toasted tortilla boats in muffin tins. Dropped a scoop of refried beans in the bottom and topped with sour cream and cheese. Awesome! This will be a go to filling for burritos and tortillas.

    Reply
  11. Cheryl says

    January 02, 2021 at 12:51 am

    4 stars
    Very good! I adapted it a bit, but the family really like how it came out.

    Reply
  12. Sherri says

    December 16, 2020 at 11:13 pm

    5 stars
    This was sooooo good!! Recipe notes called for par boiled rice which I didn’t have. Your notes about the rice was spot on! Next time I will use the right rice! πŸ˜‰ LOL! I just cooked it longer and it was still absolutely delicious!!! Thank you!

    Reply
  13. Angela B says

    December 09, 2020 at 2:51 am

    4 stars
    Amazing mix of goodness even with avoiding cheese and corn. Question; my rice is never done!!?

    Reply
    • Nora says

      December 09, 2020 at 7:46 pm

      Angela, what kind of rice are you using? If you’re using a brown rice or a natural rice, it will take much longer to cook. I’ll make the note in the recipe more obvious about this.

      Reply
  14. Cynthia says

    December 09, 2020 at 12:17 am

    5 stars
    This was a hit with the whole family! My cheese loving kids and my cheese hating kid loved that the toppings were optional. We had sour cream, cheese, lime and cilantro. But I tried some topping-less and it was full of flavour all by itself. Thanks for an easy family friendly meal!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      December 09, 2020 at 7:43 pm

      I’m so glad, Cynthia!

      Reply
  15. Susie says

    December 02, 2020 at 12:48 am

    5 stars
    This was SO good! Thank you for this quick, easy and tasty recipe. My picky son liked it and actually said you need to make that again!

    Reply
    • Tabbie says

      January 14, 2021 at 1:09 am

      5 stars
      This meal is easy, quick and delicious!! We add tortilla chips for a crunch or wrap it in a flour tortilla for a flavorful quick burrito.

      Reply
  16. Angela says

    November 26, 2020 at 2:01 am

    5 stars
    Amazing and we are DF and GF!

    Reply
  17. Joanne says

    November 03, 2020 at 11:47 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you for this recipe! The sons in their 20s have deemed it to be a keeper…which is their indication to do it again!!!!!

    Reply
  18. Danielle says

    September 26, 2020 at 6:07 pm

    3 stars
    I made this in my instant pot (rice function followed by 10 minutes NR). I didn’t get a burn notice, but there was a little burning at the bottom. So I will increase by 1 cup of broth next time, and may add a couple minutes of cook time for the rice. I used one can of corn, one can of black beans (drained and rinsed), doubled beef/rice/liquid, and used a package of taco seasoning. This is a great one pot dish rather on the stove or in the IP! I think it would be great with jalapeΓ±o peppers for those who like a little heat. Experienced cooks can play with the spices/add in and make it their own. I think it will also be a tasty filling for quesadillas. Overall, great and easy recipe.

    Reply
  19. Carla says

    September 20, 2020 at 1:05 am

    5 stars
    This is absolutely delicious. We didn’t even wait until dinner time to start eating. Didn’t add any extra items….cheese, cut tomatoes, avocado, cilantro…. It was still fantastic. Next time we should wait and add some extras,,,,I can only imagine how good it will be.
    Thank you for the recipe. I am sharing the recipe with my family.

    Reply
  20. Kim says

    September 17, 2020 at 12:20 am

    4 stars
    Family loved this so easy to make fresh great ingredients

    Reply
  21. Karen Wrenn says

    September 10, 2020 at 2:13 am

    5 stars
    Wow!!! This is FANTASTIC! I was looking for something different to do with ground beef for dinner tonight and happened upon your very yummy recipe!!! AND, I love your homemade Taco Seasoning! Thank you SO much for posting Nora!!! Be safe and well!! Hugs. Karen ❌😻❌

    Reply
  22. Lorraine says

    September 09, 2020 at 12:57 am

    4 stars
    We loved this recipe. The only issue I had was my substituting brown rice. It ended up taking so much longer to cook…..like an hour! It never did soften enough.

    Reply
  23. Trish says

    August 29, 2020 at 5:49 am

    4 stars
    I had to cook it longer as the rice just wouldn’t cook to it’s softness. Next time I’ll add a little more broth or water.

    Reply
  24. Christer Bratt says

    August 28, 2020 at 5:25 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious

    Reply
  25. Patti says

    August 20, 2020 at 11:57 pm

    4 stars
    We did like this but found it a bit bland as written. Fortunately there’s plenty left (there’s only 2 of us and I made the full recipe) so I will add more spice/heat to the leftovers & freeze it. I will make it again. Thanks for the recipe

    Reply
« Older Comments
Newer Comments »

Primary Sidebar

Nora Rusev from Savory Nothings

Hi, I'm Nora! I wasn't always a good cook, but then I fell in love with a professional chef and learned my way around the kitchen. Now I share all my secrets to effortlessly great food here on my blog, bite-sized for home cooks just like me and you.

More about me β†’

Cookie Recipes

  • The Perfect Soft Gingerbread Cookies
  • Chewy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
  • Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
  • The Best Cut Out Sugar Cookies

see all >

Popular

  • Garlic Parmesan Crispy Oven Fried Chicken
  • Oven Baked Chicken Breast
  • Crispy Oven Fried Chicken
  • TikTok Baked Oats: 6 Ways!
  • One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese
  • Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos
  • Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
  • Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread

Trending on Pinterest

  • Balsamic Chicken Marinade
  • Swedish Meatballs
  • Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
  • Instant Pot Pot Roast
  • Homemade Salisbury Steak
  • About
  • Contact

Footer

Footer

Follow Along













Recipes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Sides
Dessert
Appetizers

Instant Pot
Slow Cooker
One Pot
Casseroles
Ground Beef
Chicken

Featured On

different logos of publications Savory Nothings' content has been featured on

↑ back to top

About | Contact | Work with Us

Copyright Savory Nothings © 2023

Made with lots of love and spices β™₯︎
PRIVACY POLICY | ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT |
As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • Yummly
  • Mix