Description

Looking for a quick, hearty, and flavor-packed meal? This Super Easy Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is your new go-to dinner idea. Made with savory ground beef, colorful veggies, rice, beans, and gooey cheese, it’s a one-pan, easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Whether you’re after a quick breakfast-for-dinner twist, a healthy snack-style lunch, or easy dinner ideas for the whole family, this skillet does it all. Great for meal prep, super customizable, and incredibly satisfying!

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

2 cups cooked white rice

1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

½ cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Stir in the diced bell peppers and corn. Add taco seasoning and mix well to coat everything.

4. Add diced tomatoes with their juices and the black beans. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Fold in the cooked rice and stir until evenly combined and heated through.

6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt, about 2–3 minutes.

7. Remove from heat. Garnish with cherry tomatoes and fresh cilantro.

8. Serve hot with lime wedges or your favorite toppings.

Notes

Use leftover or day-old rice for the best texture—it helps avoid mushiness.

Swap ground beef for turkey or beans to make it lighter or vegetarian.

Add a splash of broth or salsa if the skillet seems too dry when reheating.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 generous cup
Calories: 430
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: easy dinner, one pan, beef and rice, quick meal, food ideas