Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

This might be the best Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet recipe you've ever cooked, and there are good reasons why! It is a breeze to make, delightfully cheesy, with perfectly cooked rice that avoids any mushiness. Bursting with flavors, the leftovers also make for a mouthwatering burrito filling.

Let's whip up something tasty together - a fantastic mexican beef and rice skillet recipe.

In this post, I'll walk you through the essentials, share an easy step-by-step, and throw in some handy tips. Before you know it, this Mexican casserole will be a regular in your weekly meals.

Get ready for some delicious homemade goodness! And if you are still craving Mexican food, check out these recipes for albondigas soup, beef barbacoa, beef enchiladas, and chicken enchiladas.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• How to Make Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
• Variations and Substitutions
• Recipe Tips
• Storage
• How to Reheat the Leftovers
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

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Ingredients

To make a cheesy mexican beef and rice skillet recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• Ground Beef: Provides protein and a savory taste.
• Long Grain Rice: Adds texture and forms the base of the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Gives a juicy burst of flavor and colorful appeal.
• Canned Diced Green Chilies: Adds mild, smoky heat with a Mexican twist.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid for depth.
• Garlic and Onion: Adds savory aroma and flavor.
• Taco Seasoning Blend: Mix of spices for a tasty Mexican touch.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts to create a creamy, satisfying layer.
• Green and Red Bell Peppers: Add color, sweetness, and crunch.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking, adds a hint of healthy fat.
• Oregano: Infuses an authentic herbal flavor.
• Cumin: Adds warmth and a smoky touch.

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How to Make Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Here is the detailed step-by-step preparation and cooking process for crafting your very own ground beef and rice Mexican skillet casserole.

Step 1. Preparation:

• Dice a yellow onion.
• Dice green and red bell peppers.
• Mince garlic.
• Rinse the rice until it runs clear.
• Shred cheddar cheese.

Step 2. Brown the Meat:

• In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
• Add ground beef and some of taco seasoning, cook until browned.

Step 3. Sauté the Vegetables and Rice:

• Reduce the heat to medium.
• Add onion and garlic, stir for 2 minutes.
• Add bell peppers, rice, and the remaining of taco seasoning to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes.
• Add diced tomatoes and green chilies, simmer for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 4. Add Liquid:

• Pour in broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat until the liquid is at the same level as the rice, and bubbles turn into tunnels on the surface of the rice. This process can take about 10 minutes.

Step 5. Simmer:

• Close the lid and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
• Open the lid and evenly distribute cheddar cheese over the mixture.
• Close the lid and simmer for 2 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and let the dish sit, still covered, for 10 minutes before serving.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Variety in Cheese: Experiment with different cheese varieties or a blend for a unique flavor profile. Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack or Pepper jack can add a bit of heat.
• Add Fresh Ingredients: Consider topping the casserole with fresh ingredients like chopped cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and freshness.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Choose between regular diced tomatoes for a classic touch or fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky flavor upgrade.
• Ground Beef: Select your preferred ground beef for this dish. While 80% lean with 20% fat provides more flavor, it can make the dish greasier. For a balance, opt for lean ground beef, 90-93% lean, ensuring a flavorful and less greasy outcome.

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Recipe Tips

• Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and shred cheese in advance to streamline the cooking process.
• Rinse the rice: Rinsing rice until the water runs clear before cooking is crucial for a fluffier texture, as it removes excess surface starch. It also enhances cleanliness by eliminating debris and contaminants, ensuring a better-tasting and safer final dish.
• Drain excess grease: If using medium or regular ground beef with more than 17% fat, consider draining the excess grease after browning to prevent an overly greasy dish before adding other ingredients.
• Customize Taco Seasoning: If you're using store-bought pre-packaged taco seasoning, feel free to adjust the amount to match your taste preferences. If your taco seasoning is non-sodium, remember to add salt to your casserole separately. This ensures that the seasoning perfectly complements the flavors of your Mexican ground beef casserole.
• Select the Appropriate Pot Size. Ensure you use the correct size of pot. Choose a pan that is large enough to comfortably hold all the ingredients. Avoid going too big or too small to prevent undercooked or mushy rice. For optimal results, I highly recommend using a braiser, such as the Le Creuset Signature Braiser 3.5 qt.
• Make it Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake it when ready. This allows the flavors to meld and saves time on the day you plan to serve it.
• Serve with Sides: Accompany the casserole with traditional Mexican sides like guacamole, salsa, or a simple green salad to enhance the meal.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If serving to a diverse group, consider keeping the spice level moderate and offering hot sauce on the side for those who prefer extra heat.

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Storage

To store leftover Mexican beef and rice skillet, follow these steps:

1. Cooling:
   • Allow the ground beef and rice skillet to cool for a bit at room temperature. Avoid leaving it out for an extended period to prevent bacterial growth.  For additional food safety guidance, please visit this website.
2. Portioning:
   • Divide the mixture into smaller, manageable portions. This facilitates quicker and more even cooling.
3. Airtight Containers:
   • Transfer each portion into airtight containers. Ensure the containers are suitable for both the refrigerator and freezer.
4. Labeling:
   • Label the containers with the date to track freshness.
5. Refrigeration:
   • Place the airtight containers in the refrigerator promptly. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal quality.
6. Freezing (Optional):
   • If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing. Freeze in portions and use within 1-2 months.

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How to Reheat the Leftovers

To reheat leftover ground beef and rice skillet, follow these steps:

1. Microwave:
   • Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish.
   • Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel to retain moisture.
   • Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
2. Oven:
   • Preheat the oven to around 325°F (163°C).
   • Transfer the casserole portion to an oven-safe dish.
   • Cover with foil to prevent drying.
   • Heat for approximately 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
3. Stovetop:
   • For stovetop reheating, use a non-stick pan or skillet.
   • Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the casserole reaches the desired temperature.

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I hope you'll enjoy this recipe and share it with friends! If you try it and don’t mind, please leave me a comment and/or give this recipe a rating. Be sure to subscribe to receive weekly recipes and follow me on Pinterest.

📖 Recipe