If you want a quick, flavorful meal that fits right into a busy schedule, this Mexican Ground Beef Skillet is a fantastic choice. This one-pan dish combines hearty ground beef with vibrant vegetables and fragrant spices, delivering a comforting and balanced meal in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a game day feast or an easy weeknight dinner, it keeps cleanup simple and the flavors bold.
Why We Love This Mexican Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
This recipe shines because it is both simple and packed with flavor. Using just one skillet means you save time on dishes, while the combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a vibrant, hearty dish. It’s nutritious, featuring a balance of protein, fiber, and wholesome carbs. The customizable taco seasoning lets you adjust the spice level to your taste, and the rice soaks up the flavors beautifully. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served on its own or alongside your favorite sides, making it ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients for Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, minced
- 2 large bell peppers, diced
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons green chiles
- 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup quick-cooking brown rice (or white rice)
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup Mexican shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Start by heating olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is fragrant, add the minced garlic, onion, and diced bell peppers. Sauté these vegetables for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their aromas.
Push the sautéed veggies to one side of the pan and add the ground beef to the empty space. Cook the beef for about 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s thoroughly browned and no longer pink. Then, mix the vegetables and beef together evenly in the skillet.
Next, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the tomato sauce, green chiles, and rinsed black beans. Stir everything well and let the mixture cook for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Add the quick-cooking rice and beef broth to the skillet. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for around 20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender.
When the rice is done, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. You can let the cheese melt naturally in the warm skillet or place the pan in a preheated oven at 400ºF for a few minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden finish.
Serve this delicious skillet hot, accompanied by your favorite chips or a fresh salad for a full meal.
How to Serve Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
This skillet dish is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it straight from the pan, letting the melted cheese add a rich texture. For a bit of crunch, serve it alongside tortilla chips or warm corn tortillas. A fresh green salad or a simple avocado slice complements the meal nicely, adding a cool, creamy contrast to the spiced beef.
If you want to add a touch of zest, a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime on top brightens the flavors. This dish also pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salsa on the side. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a game day spread, this skillet fits right in.
Expert Tips for Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
To get the most from this recipe, use a skillet that is deep enough to hold all ingredients comfortably without crowding. A 16-inch skillet or a Dutch oven works perfectly.
When cooking the ground beef, avoid stirring too often to allow it to brown nicely. This adds better texture and flavor. Homemade taco seasoning really makes a difference here—you control the spices and avoid unnecessary additives. If you want a milder dish, reduce the amount of taco seasoning or green chiles.
For the rice, quick-cooking varieties speed up preparation, but regular rice works if you adjust the cooking time and liquid amount accordingly. Don’t forget to drain and rinse the black beans well to avoid excess starch and ensure a clean taste.
If you want to keep leftovers, avoid melting the cheese until serving time to keep it fresh. Finally, feel free to experiment by adding other veggies like corn or zucchini for more color and nutrition.
How to Store Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This skillet dish will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
You can also freeze the cooked skillet in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep cheese separate if possible and add it freshly melted when serving after thawing for the best texture.
Variation of Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
This recipe is easy to customize to suit your preferences. Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version while keeping the same cooking method. Add extra vegetables like corn kernels, diced zucchini, or chopped tomatoes to increase the nutrition and add variety.
If you like it spicy, add a dash of hot sauce or extra green chiles. For a vegetarian twist, replace the beef with crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Try topping your skillet with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or a spoonful of plain yogurt instead of cheese for a lighter finish. You can also switch the cheese for a Mexican blend or pepper jack to change up the flavor profile. This recipe’s flexibility makes it a go-to dish for many occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
What makes this Mexican Ground Beef Skillet healthy?
This recipe balances protein from the ground beef and fiber from the beans and brown rice. It uses fresh vegetables and healthy fats like olive oil, making it a nutritious, well-rounded meal.
Can I use regular rice instead of quick-cooking rice?
Yes, you can use regular rice but will need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of broth. Regular rice usually takes longer to cook, so simmer until it’s tender and liquid is absorbed.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on your homemade taco seasoning and green chiles. You can easily control the heat by adjusting these ingredients to your preference.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can chop vegetables and measure ingredients in advance. The skillet itself is best cooked fresh but reheats well for leftovers or meal prep.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check the taco seasoning and broth labels to ensure no gluten-containing additives.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Equipment
- Large Nonstick Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 medium yellow onion minced
- 2 large bell peppers diced
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons green chiles
- 15 ounces canned black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup quick-cooking brown rice or white rice
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup Mexican shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic, onion, and diced bell peppers. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Push the vegetables to one side and add the ground beef. Cook for 7-9 minutes until browned, then mix with the vegetables.
- Sprinkle in taco seasoning and add tomato sauce, green chiles, and black beans. Stir well and let cook for a few minutes.
- Add rice and beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Once cooked, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and let it melt. Serve hot.
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