Easy Mexican Ground Beef and Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Perfect for a busy weeknight—everything cooks in one skillet.
• Flavor-packed: The taco seasoning adds a rich, savory base that pairs perfectly with the rice, beans, and melted cheese.
• Versatile: Add extra toppings like sour cream, cilantro, and pico de gallo to customize each serving.
• Family favorite: A crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

▢ 1 lb lean ground beef
▢ 1 onion, chopped
▢ 1 green bell pepper, roughly diced
▢ 1 cup corn (1 can, drained)
▢ 10 oz ROTEL tomatoes with green chiles (1 can)
▢ 15 oz black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)
▢ 2 cups beef broth
▢ 3 tbsp taco seasoning
▢ 1 cup jasmine rice (uncooked)
▢ 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Garnish (optional)
▢ Fresh cilantro, chopped
▢ Pico de gallo
▢ Sour cream
▢ Fresh lime

Directions

1. Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the vegetables and seasoning: Stir in the green bell pepper, corn, black beans, ROTEL tomatoes, beef broth, taco seasoning, and uncooked rice. Mix well.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
4. Melt the cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again for 1–2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
5. Garnish and serve: Top with fresh cilantro, pico de gallo, sour cream, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: About 4–6 servings (1.75 cups per serving)
Timing:

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 25–30 minutes
• Total time: About 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or add extra beans (black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas).
• Spicy: Use hot salsa or add jalapeños to spice things up.
• Rice options: Substitute jasmine rice for brown rice, though you may need to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid.
• Cheese options: Use a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to add moisture back.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 1–2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes! While jasmine rice is the preferred choice for its aroma and texture, you can substitute it with long-grain white rice or even brown rice (adjust the cooking time accordingly).

2. What if I don’t have ROTEL tomatoes?

You can substitute ROTEL with regular diced tomatoes and a little bit of diced green chilies or a small amount of salsa if you prefer more flavor.

3. Can I add more veggies?

Yes, feel free to add more veggies like diced zucchini, corn kernels, or even spinach.

4. Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! You can add sliced jalapeños to the mix, use hot salsa or taco seasoning, or sprinkle some chili flakes on top for extra heat.

5. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative to beef in this dish.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the entire dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for later use.

7. Can I substitute the beef broth with something else?

You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water if you’re looking to cut back on sodium.

Conclusion

This Easy Mexican Ground Beef and Rice is a flavorful, one-pan meal that’s both satisfying and versatile. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you want something simple yet delicious to feed the whole family. Add your favorite toppings for the perfect finishing touch!

Print