Description
This Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice recipe delivers a flavorful and hearty one-pan meal packed with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, black beans, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, it combines classic Mexican spices with easy cooking steps for a delicious and comforting dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
Grains
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (any color)
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
Liquids & Oils
- 2 cups beef broth
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat Skillet: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the beef and vegetables.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion and bell peppers, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become tender.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef and vegetables. Stir well and cook for an additional minute to enhance flavors.
- Incorporate Rice: Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the skillet. Stir thoroughly so the rice is evenly combined with the seasoned beef and vegetables.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, including the juices. Bring the mixture to a boil to prepare for simmering.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer undisturbed for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Beans: Gently fold in the drained black beans and warm through for 2-3 minutes without stirring too vigorously to maintain bean integrity.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and add more salt or spices as needed to suit your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an added fresh citrus burst.
Notes
- Use any color of bell peppers as per your preference or availability.
- For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or additional chili powder.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the beef broth used is labeled gluten-free.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner protein option.
