Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a vibrant one-pan meal featuring savory ground beef, diced tomatoes, spicy green chilies, and fluffy rice. Quick to prepare and hearty enough for a family dinner, this skillet recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and makes tasty leftovers.
This Tex‑Mex ground beef and rice skillet is an easy, flavor-packed one‑pot meal that combines protein and vegetables for a satisfying dinner. It’s flexible—you can swap proteins, adjust the spice level, or use different types of rice to suit your pantry and preferences.
Why we love this ground beef and rice skillet
This recipe is perfect when you want a quick, comforting dinner with minimal fuss. Made in one pan from common pantry staples, it requires little cleanup and offers plenty of flavor.
- Fast (about 30 minutes): A true one‑pan meal that comes together quickly for busy evenings.
- Simple ingredients: Uses basic pantry items like ground beef, rice, broth, and canned tomatoes with chilies.
- Great leftovers: Reheats well and makes a convenient lunch the next day.
Ingredient notes
- Ground beef: Lean ground beef works well; substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Diced tomatoes and green chilies: Provide flavor and a little heat. Use plain diced tomatoes if you prefer less spice.
- Rice: The recipe uses long‑grain white rice, but you can use brown rice, jasmine, basmati, or even minute/instant rice—adjust cooking time and liquid accordingly.
See the recipe card below for detailed measurements and nutrition information.
Variations and substitutions
Make this skillet your own by tailoring ingredients and cooking methods to what you have on hand.
- Low‑carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
- Different proteins: Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a leaner option.
- Hands‑off: You can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker if you prefer a set‑and‑forget method.
How to make this easy ground beef and rice skillet
This one‑pan casserole delivers hearty comfort with straightforward steps. Below are the main steps; follow the full recipe card for exact quantities and timings.
Step 1: Brown the ground beef
Heat a large skillet over medium. Add ground beef and seasonings, cook until browned, drain excess fat if needed, and return beef to the pan.
Step 2: Cook the vegetables
Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté about 3–4 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add rice and simmer
Stir in rice, beef broth (or stock), undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
Step 4: Finish with cheese
Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with shredded cheddar, cover, and let rest 5 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Recipe FAQs
Ground beef typically takes about 7–10 minutes to brown in a hot skillet, depending on the heat and how finely it’s broken up. Cook until the beef reaches 160°F or is no longer pink.
For flavor and moisture, ground chuck (around 80/20) is a good choice. Leaner options like 90/10 will work but can be drier—adjust with a bit of oil or broth if needed.
Start with a hot pan to get a good sear, avoid overcrowding, and break the meat into even pieces. Cook undisturbed for a couple minutes before stirring to encourage browning.
Cool to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Expert tips
This classic Tex‑Mex inspired skillet is easy to prepare and adaptable. A few practical tips will help you get excellent results:
- Toppings: Add sour cream, chopped cilantro or tortilla strips for texture and brightness.
- Seasonings: Swap in taco seasoning or add onion and garlic powder to adjust flavor.
- Roasted corn: Stir in roasted or grilled corn for extra sweetness and texture.
- Versatile uses: Serve as a main dish, or use the filling for tacos, burritos, stuffed peppers, or cabbage rolls.
What to serve with this skillet
- Mexican-style corn or a fresh corn salad
- Warm flour tortillas
- Cornbread or a simple green salad
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Tex Mex Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (lean)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons all‑purpose seasoning
- 10 oz diced tomatoes & green chilies (undrained)
- 1 ½ cups beef broth or stock
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and seasoning; brown the beef and drain if desired, then return to the skillet.
- Add onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in beef broth, rice, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and Worcestershire sauce; combine evenly.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer about 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with cheese, cover, and let rest 5 minutes until the cheese melts. Garnish and serve.
Notes
- Toppings: Sour cream, cilantro, or tortilla strips add brightness and texture.
- Seasonings: Use taco seasoning or adjust spices to taste.
- Additions: Roasted corn boosts flavor and texture.
- Uses: Great served as a main or used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or stuffed peppers.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 49 g
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 38 g
The nutritional information provided are estimates. Verify with your preferred resource if you need exact values.
This recipe is an adapted, Tex‑Mex inspired dish created for home kitchens and accessibility. It’s not presented as an authentic traditional recipe but as a flavorful, approachable option to enjoy and customize.