One-Pan Mexican Beef and Rice

If you’re on the hunt for a truly quick, utterly delicious, and incredibly satisfying meal that captures the vibrant and bold essence of Tex-Mex cuisine, look no further than this incredible Beef Taco Rice Skillet. This hearty and flavorful dish effortlessly brings together tender, perfectly seasoned ground beef, wholesome black beans, a generous dollop of zesty salsa, and a luscious blanket of gooey melted cheese, all cooked to perfection in a single skillet. It’s the ultimate solution for an easy yet deeply satisfying dinner, making it an absolute winner for busy weeknights or relaxed gatherings with family and friends. Forget the fuss of multiple pots and pans; this one-pan wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

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What’s This Dish All About?

The Beef Taco Rice Skillet is a culinary masterpiece of convenience, blending classic Tex-Mex flavors into a single, hearty dish. Imagine perfectly seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice that has absorbed all the rich spices, tender black beans, vibrant salsa, and a blanket of melted cheese, all prepared in one pan. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience designed for efficiency without compromising on taste. It’s a complete meal in itself, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor, making it a staple for anyone seeking a delicious, no-fuss dinner that can feed a crowd or provide satisfying leftovers. This skillet meal truly embodies the spirit of easy home cooking, bringing together a symphony of textures and tastes in every delightful bite.

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Meal

This Beef Taco Rice Skillet isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Here are compelling reasons why this meal is destined to become a beloved staple in your kitchen:

• Effortless One-Pan Cooking: Say goodbye to piles of dirty dishes! Everything comes together in a single skillet, from browning the meat to simmering the rice. This dramatically simplifies both the cooking process and the cleanup, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy evenings when time is precious.
• Bursting with Authentic Tex-Mex Flavors: This dish delivers an authentic taste experience that transports your palate straight to the heart of Tex-Mex cuisine. It combines savory ground beef with an aromatic homemade taco seasoning, a refreshing kick from the salsa, and the creamy richness of melted cheese. Each bite is a harmonious blend of complementary textures and vibrant spices.
• Quick & Convenient: With just a few straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can have a wholesome, homemade meal on the table in under an hour. It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you need a satisfying and flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Highly Customizable: One of the greatest advantages of this skillet meal is its incredible versatility. Whether you prefer more spice, different vegetables, a vegetarian option, or a variety of toppings, this recipe is easily adaptable. It’s simple to adjust to your family’s preferences or utilize whatever fresh ingredients you happen to have on hand.
• Budget-Friendly & Economical: Utilizing common and affordable pantry staples like ground beef, rice, and canned beans, this recipe offers a delicious and filling meal that won’t break the bank. It’s a smart and economical choice for weekly meal planning, helping you create hearty meals without sacrificing quality or taste.
• A Guaranteed Family Favorite: Its universally appealing flavors and comforting nature make it an instant hit with both adults and children alike. It’s a wonderful way to introduce new textures and flavors to picky eaters in an approachable and incredibly delicious format. It’s the kind of meal everyone looks forward to.
• Great for Meal Prep: This skillet meal holds up beautifully as leftovers, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping. Cook a larger batch on Sunday, and you’ll have delicious, ready-to-heat lunches or dinners for several days.

Key Ingredients for Your Skillet

To truly unlock the magic of this Tex-Mex skillet, a few essential ingredients form the foundation of its robust flavor profile. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and utterly delicious dish:

• Ground Beef or Turkey: This is the star protein, providing a savory, hearty base for the entire dish. Lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) is often favored for its succulent flavor and texture, as the fat renders down to infuse the rice. Ground turkey offers a lighter, healthier alternative with a milder flavor that readily absorbs the taco seasoning.
• Uncooked Rice: The cornerstone of the dish, the rice cooks directly in the skillet, absorbing all the wonderful flavors from the meat, spices, and broth. Choosing the right type of uncooked rice is paramount for achieving the perfect fluffy texture without becoming mushy.
• Broth (Beef, Chicken, or Vegetable): This liquid base is essential for cooking the rice and infusing the entire dish with a deep, savory foundation. Beef broth complements the ground beef perfectly, enriching the overall flavor, but chicken or even vegetable broth also works wonderfully as a flavorful cooking liquid.
• Diced Onions: A fundamental aromatic that adds a sweet, pungent, and savory depth of flavor to the meat mixture as it cooks. Onions are crucial for building layers of taste in Tex-Mex dishes.
• Salsa: Beyond just a topping, salsa is integrated into the cooking process to provide moisture, a tangy zest, and a burst of vibrant flavor. Use your favorite store-bought salsa or a homemade version for an extra fresh and personalized taste. You can choose mild, medium, or hot based on your preference.
• Shredded Cheese: The ultimate comfort factor, shredded cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible topping that binds all the flavors together and adds a luxurious richness to the skillet. Colby Jack, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a pre-packaged Mexican blend are all excellent choices.
• Black Beans: These versatile legumes add an earthy flavor, a soft texture, and a significant boost of fiber and plant-based protein, making the dish heartier and more substantial. Always remember to drain and rinse canned black beans thoroughly before adding them to remove excess sodium and improve texture.
• Taco Seasoning: This essential blend of spices is what truly defines the Tex-Mex character of the meal. A good taco seasoning brings together classic flavors like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and other warm spices, creating that unmistakable and addictive taco flavor profile.

Choosing the Right Meat

While ground beef is a classic choice for its rich flavor and hearty texture, this recipe is incredibly versatile and accommodates various ground meats, allowing you to tailor the dish to your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. For optimal flavor and a satisfying mouthfeel, I typically opt for an 80/20 lean ground beef. The slight fat content renders down during cooking, adding immense depth to the entire dish, creating a more robust and savory base. When browning, ensure it achieves a nice sear to develop those desirable caramelized notes.

However, if you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey is an excellent substitute. It offers a milder flavor that readily absorbs the taco seasoning and broth, making it a healthy yet flavorful alternative. For ground turkey, consider adding a touch more oil to the pan when browning to prevent it from sticking and ensure it browns evenly. Ground pork or a mild sausage (casings removed) can also be used to introduce a different layer of savory taste and a slightly richer texture. If using sausage, be mindful of its inherent seasoning and adjust the taco seasoning blend accordingly.

Even finely chopped or shredded cooked chicken could work if you cook it first and then combine it with the other ingredients, ensuring it’s well-shredded to integrate seamlessly with the rice. Regardless of your meat choice, the key is to brown the meat thoroughly to develop a rich foundation of flavor before incorporating the other components. This initial browning step is crucial for building the overall depth of taste in your Beef Taco Rice Skillet.

Selecting the Best Rice

The type of rice you choose significantly impacts the final texture of your Beef Taco Rice Skillet. For this particular dish, where you want distinct, fluffy grains that absorb flavor without becoming a sticky mess, uncooked long-grain white rice is your best bet. Varieties like jasmine or basmati rice are perfect because their slender grains cook up light and separate, allowing them to absorb all the savory broth and seasoning beautifully while maintaining a pleasant chew. It’s crucial to use uncooked rice directly in the skillet, allowing it to simmer and meld with the other ingredients, soaking up every drop of delicious liquid.

Avoid using highly processed rice varieties like “Minute Rice” or instant rice. These are designed for quick cooking by themselves and will likely become mushy and compromise the texture of the skillet meal when cooked alongside other ingredients and liquids for an extended period. The goal here is for the rice to cook slowly and absorb the flavors, which instant rice is not designed to do effectively in this application. If you only have instant rice, it’s best to cook it separately according to its package instructions and then stir it into the cooked beef and bean mixture at the very end, just before adding the cheese.

Medium-grain rice, while still holding its structure, will result in a slightly creamier texture due to its higher starch content. If you prefer a richer, more risotto-like consistency, this could be an option, but for a classic “taco rice” feel with individual grains, long-grain is superior. Short-grain rice, such as Arborio or sushi rice, should be avoided entirely for this recipe. Its very high starch content will release excessively during simmering, leading to an undesirably tender, sticky, and mushy outcome that will drastically alter the intended texture of the dish into something more akin to a porridge.

While I haven’t specifically tested this recipe with brown rice, it should work, but with some key adjustments. Brown rice generally requires more liquid and a significantly longer cooking time (often double that of white rice) due to its bran layer. If you choose to use brown rice, be sure to follow the cooking times and liquid ratios recommended on its packaging. You will likely need to increase the amount of broth and extend the simmering time, and be prepared to add a little extra broth or water if the skillet dries out before the rice is tender. Its nutty flavor would also add another delicious dimension to the dish.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Crafting this flavorful one-pan meal is surprisingly straightforward, making it perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process to ensure a perfect Beef Taco Rice Skillet every time, packed with rich Tex-Mex flavors. Remember, detailed measurements and full instructions can also be found in the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Brown the Ground Meat: Begin by placing your chosen skillet on the stove and heating it over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey. Using a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula, actively break down the meat into small, uniform pieces. Continue to cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains visible. This crucial step develops deep, savory flavors.
2. Drain Excess Fat: Once the meat is thoroughly cooked, carefully tilt the skillet to one side and, using a spoon or paper towels, drain off any accumulated excess fat. This step is important to prevent the final dish from becoming greasy and allows the vibrant flavors of the other ingredients to truly shine through.
3. Season the Meat: Now, evenly sprinkle your preferred taco seasoning (whether homemade or store-bought) generously over the cooked ground meat. Stir thoroughly for about 1 minute, ensuring every piece of meat is coated. Allowing the spices to toast briefly in the hot pan enhances their aroma and deepens their flavor profile.
4. Add Aromatics and Beans: Incorporate the diced onions, your favorite salsa, and the thoroughly drained and rinsed black beans into the skillet. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the onions to soften slightly, the salsa to warm, and all the flavors to meld beautifully. This is also an excellent moment to stir in any optional fresh lime juice or finely chopped cilantro for an extra burst of zesty freshness.
5. Incorporate Rice and Broth: Evenly sprinkle the uncooked long-grain rice over the savory mixture in the skillet. Then, pour the broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable) evenly throughout the pan. Give it a gentle stir to combine all ingredients, ensuring that the rice is submerged in the liquid. Avoid over-stirring, as this can release excess starch.
6. Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat on the stove to low, aiming for a gentle simmer rather than a vigorous boil. Place a tight-fitting lid securely on the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer undisturbed for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. It’s crucial to stir the mixture every 5 minutes or so during this stage to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure uniform cooking.
7. Adjust Seasoning: After the simmering time, remove the lid and carefully taste the dish. As the rice cooks and releases its starch, the overall seasoning of the dish can sometimes mellow. This is your opportunity to adjust the flavor profile—add more salt, black pepper, or an extra pinch of taco seasoning if needed, to perfectly suit your personal preference.
8. Melt the Cheese: Once the rice is perfectly tender and the seasoning is to your liking, remove the pan completely from the heat source. Evenly sprinkle the grated cheese over the entire top of the skillet, creating a luscious, even layer.
9. Allow Cheese to Melt: Place the lid back on the pan for a few minutes (about 3-5 minutes). The residual heat trapped within the skillet will beautifully and effortlessly melt the cheese into a gooey, irresistible blanket.
10. Rest and Serve: Before diving in, allow the skillet to rest for 5-10 minutes with the lid on or slightly ajar. This brief resting period allows the flavors to further meld and settle, and the rice grains to firm up slightly, ensuring a more cohesive and delicious final product. Serve warm with your favorite toppings!

Mastering the Flavors: Seasoning and Spices

The heart and soul of any Tex-Mex dish lie inherently in its seasoning, and this Beef Taco Rice Skillet is certainly no exception. While a good quality store-bought taco seasoning can readily get the job done, offering convenience and a reliable flavor, crafting your own homemade blend elevates the dish to a whole new level. Homemade seasoning offers unparalleled freshness and allows you to precisely customize the flavor profile to your exact liking, ensuring a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and spicy notes. I highly recommend using my Homemade Taco Seasoning for this recipe; it’s a staple in my pantry for its vibrant and perfectly balanced flavors, consistently delivering that authentic Tex-Mex taste.

A typical and effective homemade taco seasoning blend usually consists of several key spices, each contributing its unique character: chili powder (for its earthy, slightly smoky base and rich color), ground cumin (for warmth, depth, and a distinct Tex-Mex aroma that is irreplaceable), garlic powder and onion powder (for a foundational layer of savory depth and umami), smoked paprika (for an extra layer of smoky sweetness that complements the meat beautifully), and of course, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, which are essential for enhancing all the other flavors. For those who enjoy a little more heat and a noticeable kick, a touch of cayenne pepper can be easily added to the blend to spice things up. The true beauty of a homemade blend is the complete control it gives you: you can adjust the ratios of these individual spices to achieve your perfect personal balance of earthy, savory, and spicy notes, guaranteeing a truly personalized and delicious skillet meal every single time you cook it.

Secrets to Perfect, Non-Mushy Rice

Achieving perfectly fluffy, distinct rice grains in a one-pan dish like this Beef Taco Rice Skillet can sometimes feel like a culinary challenge, but with these expert tips, you’ll consistently avoid mushy rice every time. The goal is tender, flavorful rice that holds its shape beautifully and integrates seamlessly with the other savory ingredients.

• Use the Right Rice Variety: As emphasized earlier, always stick to long-grain rice varieties such as basmati or jasmine. These types of rice naturally possess a lower starch content and tend to cook up much lighter and fluffier compared to their medium or short-grain counterparts, which are inherently more prone to becoming sticky and clumping together.
• Rinse the Rice Thoroughly: This is an absolutely critical step that is often overlooked but makes a significant difference. Place your uncooked rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it meticulously under cold running water. Continue rinsing until the water that drains from the bottom runs completely clear. This crucial process effectively removes excess surface starch, which is the primary culprit behind sticky, gummy, and ultimately mushy rice.
• Maintain Accurate Liquid Ratio: Pay extremely close attention to the precise amount of liquid (broth) specified in the recipe. Too much liquid will drown the rice, inevitably leading to an overcooked, mushy texture. Conversely, too little liquid will result in undercooked, hard, and crunchy grains. The provided ratio in this recipe has been carefully balanced to achieve optimal rice tenderness and absorption.
• Avoid Overcooking at All Costs: Once the lid is placed on the skillet, resist the constant urge to peek frequently, as this action prematurely releases essential steam that is vital for even and thorough cooking of the rice. Begin checking the rice a few minutes before the recommended cooking time, not later. The ideal cooked rice should be tender but still possess a slight, pleasant bite to it – never soft, bloated, or gluey.
• Simmer Gently, Don’t Boil Vigorously: It’s imperative to maintain a low, gentle simmer after adding the liquid and covering the pan, rather than allowing it to come to a rolling boil. High heat causes the liquid to evaporate too rapidly, leading to unevenly cooked rice (where the outside is cooked but the inside remains hard) and a mushy exterior. A gentle simmer ensures the rice cooks slowly, evenly, and absorbs the liquid uniformly.
• Stir Occasionally, But Not Excessively: While you do need to stir the mixture every 5 minutes or so to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure even distribution of heat and liquid, excessive or vigorous stirring should be avoided. Over-stirring can agitate the rice grains, causing them to release even more starch and leading to an undesirable gummy texture. Stir just enough to prevent sticking.
• Consider Cooking Rice Separately (If Persistent Struggles Occur): If you consistently struggle with achieving the perfect rice texture using the one-pan method, or if you’re adapting the recipe for a rice type not typically suited for direct simmering, you always have the option to cook the rice separately. Prepare it according to its package directions, then gently fold the nearly cooked or fully cooked rice into the skillet with the cooked meat and bean mixture just before adding the cheese. This method ensures perfectly cooked rice every time, though it will slightly increase your cleanup.

The Ideal Skillet for Success

The right pan is more than just a piece of cookware; it’s an essential tool that can significantly enhance or hinder your one-pan meal experience. For this Beef Taco Rice Skillet, a sturdy and reliable skillet is paramount. I personally swear by my 10-inch cast iron skillet, which I’ve found on Amazon. It has been my trusted companion in the kitchen for years and consistently performs exceptionally well with this recipe, delivering perfectly cooked meals every time.

Cast iron is an excellent choice for this type of dish because it heats incredibly evenly and retains heat beautifully. This consistent heat distribution is crucial for cooking rice uniformly without creating hot spots, which can lead to some parts of the rice being overcooked and mushy while others remain undercooked and hard. Beyond cast iron, a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan or even a Dutch oven would also work very effectively. The key characteristics to look for in your ideal skillet include:

• Adequate Size: Opt for a pan that is at least 10-12 inches in diameter. This generous surface area provides ample space for browning the ground meat properly, allowing it to sear rather than steam, which develops richer flavors. Furthermore, it ensures that the rice cooks in a single, even layer without overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of simmering, negatively affecting the rice’s texture.
• High Sides: The skillet should ideally have relatively high sides. This feature is important to prevent spillage, especially when you add the broth and other ingredients to simmer. High sides also play a critical role in containing the steam during the cooking process, which is absolutely vital for cooking the rice efficiently and effectively, ensuring it absorbs all the liquid and becomes tender.
• Tight-Fitting Lid: This is a non-negotiable requirement for this recipe. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential for creating the steamy, enclosed environment needed to cook the rice properly. It traps moisture and heat within the skillet, ensuring the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes perfectly tender without drying out. If your chosen skillet doesn’t come with a suitable lid, you can often purchase one separately, or even use a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil tightly crimped around the edges of the pan as a temporary but effective solution. This is the lid I use.

Remember that proper care for your cast iron skillet will also ensure it lasts a lifetime and performs wonderfully for all your one-pan creations. Seasoning it regularly helps maintain its natural non-stick properties and can even enrich the flavors of your food over time, making it an invaluable kitchen tool.

Unlimited Options: Substitutions, Toppings, and Add-ins Ideas

One of the best and most exciting aspects of this Beef Taco Rice Skillet is its incredible adaptability and versatility. It’s a fantastic base for culinary creativity, allowing you to customize it with a wide array of vegetables, additional spices, and a generous selection of toppings to perfectly suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or simply whatever fresh ingredients you happen to have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this dish uniquely yours!

Flavor-Boosting Add-ins (Cooked Directly into the Skillet):

These ingredients are added during the cooking process to infuse the entire dish with extra flavor and texture:

• Corn: Whether fresh off the cob, frozen (thawed), or canned (thoroughly drained), corn adds a delightful burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color. Add it along with the black beans.
• Bell Peppers: Finely diced bell peppers (in any color—red, yellow, orange, or green) introduce a pleasant sweet crunch and a boost of extra nutrients. Sauté them with the onions for a few minutes before adding the ground meat to soften them.
• Jalapeños: For a touch of heat and a spicy kick, finely diced fresh or pickled jalapeños can be added with the onions. For milder heat, remove the seeds and membranes.
• Minced Garlic: Sautéing minced garlic along with the onions will deepen the aromatic foundation of the dish, adding an indispensable layer of savory flavor.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Freshly chopped Roma tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes (drained well) can add extra juiciness, a slight tangy note, and a fresh garden taste to the mixture.
• Spicy Peppers: If you’re a true heat enthusiast, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite smoky hot sauce during the simmering stage for an extra fiery dimension.
• Green Chiles: Canned diced green chiles (mild or hot) are a classic Tex-Mex addition, offering a subtle smoky and tangy flavor.

Fresh and Flavorful Toppings (Added After Cooking, Before Serving):

These garnishes elevate the dish, adding contrasting textures, fresh flavors, and visual appeal:

• Avocado Slices or Creamy Guacamole: Creamy, ripe avocado slices or a generous dollop of homemade guacamole provide a cool, rich contrast and a dose of healthy fats.
• Fresh Lime Juice: A final squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens all the flavors, adding a wonderful zesty tang that cuts through the richness.
• Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Abundant fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbaceous, vibrant freshness that is absolutely classic and essential in Tex-Mex cuisine.
• Shredded Lettuce: For a wonderfully refreshing crunch and lightness, finely shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce is a fantastic choice, adding a cool element.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of cool, tangy sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds a luscious creaminess that balances the spices.
• Pico de Gallo or Fresh Salsa: A spoonful of vibrant, chunky fresh salsa or pico de gallo offers a burst of fresh tomato, onion, and cilantro flavor.
• Chopped Green Onions: For a mild, fresh oniony bite and beautiful visual appeal, sprinkle chopped green onions (scallions) over the top.
• Hot Sauce: A dash or drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for those who crave even more heat and a personalized spice level.
• Extra Shredded Cheese: Because, let’s be honest, who can ever say no to more gooey, melted cheese?
• Crispy Tortilla Strips or Crushed Tortilla Chips: For a satisfying textural contrast and an added layer of salty, corn flavor, these are perfect.
• Sliced Olives: Sliced black olives add a distinct briny, savory note that complements the other Tex-Mex flavors.
• Thinly Sliced Radishes: These offer a surprisingly delightful peppery crunch and beautiful color.
• Crumbled Cotija Cheese: Crumbled Cotija cheese, a salty and crumbly Mexican cheese, makes for an excellent, authentic, and savory topping, similar to feta but with a unique profile.

Storage, Reheating, and Freezer Tips

This Beef Taco Rice Skillet is not just a delicious meal but also a fantastic candidate for meal prepping, making busy weeknights even easier and ensuring you always have a wholesome option ready. Knowing how to properly store, reheat, and even freeze leftovers ensures you can enjoy this delicious dish for days to come without compromising on taste, texture, or food safety.

How to Store Leftovers

To ensure the safety and quality of your leftovers, it’s crucial to store them properly. Once your skillet meal has cooled completely to room temperature (this should take no more than two hours after cooking), transfer any remaining portions into an airtight container. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air exposure and contamination. Properly stored in the refrigerator, this delicious dish will maintain its quality and be safe to eat for 3-4 days. For the best flavor and texture, try to consume it within this timeframe.

How to Reheat Your Skillet Meal

Bringing your Beef Taco Rice Skillet leftovers back to life is simple, with a couple of convenient methods:

• Microwave Method: For individual portions, transfer the desired amount into a microwave-safe dish. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the meal is thoroughly warmed to your liking. Covering the dish with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel can help retain moisture and ensure even heating.
• Stovetop Method: For larger portions, or if you prefer to achieve a fresher, more evenly heated result, heat a small amount of oil or water (about 1-2 tablespoons) in a clean skillet over medium heat. Add the beef and rice mixture and cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up any clumps, until it is heated through completely. This method helps to re-crisp any rice that might have softened.

A helpful tip for reheating: The beef and rice mixture will naturally thicken the longer it stands and especially after it has been refrigerated. This is due to the starch in the rice continuing to absorb moisture. If you find your reheated dish a bit dry or too thick for your preference, simply add a splash of extra broth or water (start with 1-2 tablespoons at a time) while reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir it in until you achieve your desired consistency and moisture level.

Freezer-Friendly Tips

This dish freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for long-term meal planning and having quick, homemade dinners on standby:

• Preparation for Freezing: Allow the cooked skillet meal to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial before freezing to prevent ice crystal formation and maintain quality. Divide it into individual or family-sized portions, depending on how you plan to serve it later.
• Proper Packaging: Transfer the cooled portions to freezer-safe airtight containers. Alternatively, you can use heavy-duty freezer bags; if using bags, flatten them to save space in your freezer and to ensure quicker thawing later on. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags/containers to prevent freezer burn. Label each container or bag with the contents and the date it was frozen.
• Freezing Duration: For the best quality, consume the frozen dish within 2-3 months. Beyond this timeframe, the texture and flavor may start to decline, although it will remain safe to eat for longer.
• Defrosting Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen portion, the best method is to transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. This allows it to thaw gradually and safely.
• Reheating from Frozen: You can also reheat directly from frozen in the microwave (expect significantly longer cooking times and stir frequently) or on the stovetop with a little added liquid. Ensure the dish reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What to Serve with Your Taco Rice Skillet

While the Beef Taco Rice Skillet is undoubtedly a complete and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with a few complementary side dishes can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level, adding variety, freshness, and extra layers of flavor. Here are some fantastic recipes and simple ideas that complement the rich Tex-Mex flavors beautifully:

• Creamy Queso Cheese Dip: A warm, rich, and gooey cheese dip that’s perfect for dipping tortilla chips or generously drizzling directly over your skillet for an extra cheesy delight.
• Homemade Smoked Salsa: Add another layer of complex, smoky flavor and fresh zest to your meal with a bowl of homemade smoked salsa.
• Taco Bell Creamy Jalapeno Sauce Copycat: For an extra creamy, tangy, and subtly spicy kick, this copycat sauce is a perfect addition for those who love a little extra something.
• Crispy Air Fryer Tortilla Chips: Freshly made, crispy tortilla chips are absolutely perfect for scooping up every last delicious bite of your skillet meal.
• Chipotle-Style Cilantro Lime Rice: While our skillet already contains rice, a side of tangy and refreshing cilantro lime rice can add a fresh contrast, or be served separately to stretch the meal for more servings.
• Oven Baked Roasted Corn on the Cob: Sweet, tender, and slightly charred roasted corn on the cob makes for a simple yet incredibly satisfying vegetable side dish.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad tossed with a zesty lime vinaigrette or a creamy avocado dressing can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the skillet, adding a welcome crunch and freshness.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: For a lighter, sweet accompaniment, a simple fruit salad with tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and papaya can be wonderfully refreshing.

Other Popular Ground Beef Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the versatility, ease, and robust flavors of ground beef in this skillet meal, then you’re in luck! Ground beef is an incredibly adaptable and budget-friendly ingredient that can star in countless delicious and diverse dishes, making it a staple in kitchens worldwide. Here are some other popular recipes featuring ground beef that you might enjoy, showcasing its incredible range:

• Quick Ground Beef Lo Mein: An easy-to-make and incredibly flavorful Asian-inspired noodle dish that comes together faster than takeout.
• Cheeseburger Quesadillas with Homemade Burger Sauce: A fun and indulgent fusion meal that brilliantly combines the best elements of a classic cheeseburger and a crispy quesadilla.
• Hearty Ground Beef Pasta with Creamy Alfredo: A comforting and rich pasta dish featuring savory ground beef in a luscious Alfredo sauce, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
• Authentic Cajun Dirty Rice with Ground Beef: A deeply flavorful, spicy, and aromatic Southern classic, perfect for those who love a bit of heat and rich, savory spices.
• Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake: A truly decadent and comforting baked pasta dish featuring layers of tender spaghetti, a rich ground beef meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy topping, baked to golden perfection.

For even more culinary inspiration and a diverse range of meal ideas, be sure to check out our comprehensive collection of 25 Recipes With Ground Beef. And for a visual guide and step-by-step demonstration of how to make this delicious skillet meal, you can always watch detailed instructions in our YouTube video here!

Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

By: Brandi Crawford

If you’re searching for a quick and delicious meal that brings together the vibrant flavors of Tex Mex, look no further than this Beef Taco Rice Skillet. This hearty dish combines tender ground beef, savory black beans, zesty salsa, and gooey melted cheese, all cooked together in one skillet for an easy and satisfying dinner. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 1 vote)

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Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 35 mins

Course: Dinner, Lunch | Cuisine: Mexican Inspired, Tex Mex

Servings: 5 servings | Calories: 402 kcal per serving

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Equipment

• Cast Iron Skillet (10-inch minimum, with a tight-fitting lid)

Ingredients (Serves 5)

(Note: Ingredient quantities would need to be manually adjusted if changing serving size from 5.)

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• ½ cup diced onions
• 15.5 oz canned black beans (Drained and rinsed)
• ½ cup salsa
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice (e.g., jasmine or basmati)
• 1 ½ cups broth (Beef broth recommended for flavor; chicken or vegetable broth also works)
• 1 cup grated cheese (Colby Jack or a Mexican blend recommended)

Homemade Taco Seasoning (or use a store-bought packet)

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (Optional, for added spice)

Optional Add-Ins for Flavor

• 2 teaspoons lime juice (from ½ of a large lime; double for intense flavor)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (double for intense flavor)

Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and break it down, cooking for 5-6 minutes until browned.
2. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning to coat the meat evenly.
4. Add the diced onions, salsa, and drained black beans. Stir. If using, add optional fresh lime juice and cilantro here.
5. Sprinkle in the uncooked rice and pour the broth throughout the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
6. Reduce the heat to low and place a tight-fitting lid on the skillet.
7. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking.
8. Remove the lid and taste the dish. Adjust salt, pepper, or additional spices as needed.
9. Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top.
10. Place the lid back on the pan for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey layer.
11. Cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Avoid using processed or “Minute Rice” as it can lead to a mushy texture. Opt for uncooked long-grain white rice like jasmine or basmati for best results, as it cooks up light, fluffy, and absorbs flavors well.

If using brown rice, note that it typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Follow package instructions for your specific brand of brown rice, and be prepared to add extra broth if needed.

The Beef Taco Rice Skillet will thicken as it cools and after refrigeration. To thin it out when reheating, simply add a splash of broth or water until desired consistency is reached.

How to Avoid Mushy Rice (Reminder)

• Use the Right Rice: Choose long-grain varieties like basmati or jasmine for a less sticky, fluffier outcome.
• Rinse the Rice: Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch.
• Avoid Overcooking: Check for tenderness a few minutes before the suggested cook time.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil: Maintain low heat for even cooking and proper absorption.
• Cook Rice Separately: As a last resort, cook rice independently and fold it in at the end if you consistently struggle with texture.

Nutrition Information

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

Per Serving (based on 5 servings): Calories: 402kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 10g

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