Mexican Ground Beef Skillet is so quick, flavorful, and satisfying—it’s the perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. In just a few simple steps, ground beef is sautéed with onions, peppers, garlic, and bold taco seasoning. Brown rice, black beans, and tomato sauce join the mix, simmered until perfectly tender. Topped with melty cheddar cheese and served with crispy chips, it’s comfort food with a Tex‑Mex twist. You’ll love how the flavors meld together beautifully in every bite—rich, hearty, and endlessly comforting. Plus, this recipe is one-pot easy and delivers on savory texture and vibrant taste in under an hour!
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
- One‑Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup—everything cooks in one skillet or Dutch oven.
- Bold Flavor: Garlic, onions, peppers, homemade taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and green chiles combine for a fiesta of taste.
- Balanced Comfort: A mix of protein, fiber-rich beans, and whole grain rice packs each serving with satisfying energy.
- Customizable: Use white or brown rice, swap veggies, or adjust heat—this recipe adapts to you.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike—serve it family-style or ladle into bowls for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need (all pantry- and fridge-friendly staples!):
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil or any cooking oil of your choice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 2–3 cloves)
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely minced
- 2 large bell peppers, chopped—use red, green, or a combination for extra color
- 1 lb. 85% lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning (or store-bought equivalent)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons of green chiles—choose mild or hot depending on your taste
- 15 oz. canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of instant brown rice, or white if preferred
- 1.5 cups beef broth (or chicken broth or even water with bouillon)
- ½ cup Mexican shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar-jack blend)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
- Sauté Veggies
Over medium–high heat, warm oil in a large nonstick skillet or Dutch oven. Add garlic, onion, and bell peppers. Sauté for 3–5 minutes, until fragrant and onions begin to soften. - Cook Ground Beef
Push veggies to the side, add ground beef, and brown for 7–9 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully cooked and no longer pink. Mix the meat with the veggies. - Add Flavorings
Mix in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, green chiles, and black beans. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors blend with the meat. - Simmer with Rice and Broth
Pour in quick-cooking rice and broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 20 minutes until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed. - Melt Cheese
Remove lid and sprinkle cheese evenly over the skillet. Let it melt on the stovetop for a few minutes, or transfer the skillet to a 400°F oven for 3–5 minutes for perfectly bubbly cheese on top. - Serve and Enjoy
Scoop generous portions into bowls or plates, and serve with crunchy tortilla chips or warm tortillas on the side.
Helpful Tips
- Skillet Size: A 16‑inch skillet is great, but a deep 12‑inch or Dutch oven works too—just ensure enough room for simmering.
- Rice Tip: Quick‑cooking rice drastically cuts simmer time—use white or brown based on preference.
- Ground Beef Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles if you want lighter fare.
- Seasoning Guide: If using bottled taco seasoning, add a bit less initially—homemade often packs more flavor.
- Broth Alternatives: Chicken or vegetable broth works fine. For a spicy twist, use a chipotle broth.
Substitutions And Variations
- Veggie Boost: Add corn, zucchini, or chopped carrots when sautéing for extra color and nutrition.
- Rice-Free Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version—add it toward the end, cooking just 5 minutes.
- Spice Level: Amp up heat by using spicy green chiles, hot taco seasoning, or a dash of cayenne pepper. To tone it down, use mild chiles or omit.
- Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack for heat, Monterey jack for creamy melt, or skip cheese entirely for dairy-free needs.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled skillet (without cheese topping) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, use a stovetop or microwave. Add a bit of broth or water and cover to keep it moist.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 379 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sugar: 4 g
(Note: Nutritional values are calculated using homemade taco seasoning and instant rice.)
Serving Suggestions
- Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, lime wedges, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Great sides include tortilla chips for dipping, warm flour or corn tortillas, or a fresh green salad.
- Toppings Bar: Let guests customize with hot sauce, pickled jalapeños, olives, or queso fresco for an interactive meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
How can I turn this into a freezer meal?
This skillet is freezable! Cook through step 4 (everything cooked, rice absorbed), cool it, and freeze in meal-size portions without cheese. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, reheat covered on low, and add cheese at the end for melting. It’s perfect for freezing—just heat and enjoy!
Can I use regular rice instead of quick-cooking?
Yes! Swap in 1 cup of long-grain white or brown rice. Use 2 cups of broth and simmer—35 to 40 minutes for white, or about 45 minutes for brown—until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Absolutely. Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles, extra beans, or cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth. The cooking method remains the same—saute veggies, add “meat” substitute, seasoning, beans, rice, and simmer just like the original. It’s hearty, nutritious, and meat-free.
Can I make this spicy?
Definitely! Use hot taco seasoning or add chile powder, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños. For extra flavor, stir in a spoonful of chipotle in adobo sauce. If less heat is desired, omit spicy add-ins and use mild green chiles.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A bold and satisfying one-pan meal, this Mexican Ground Beef Skillet features seasoned ground beef, veggies, beans, and rice topped with melty cheese. Ready in under 45 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil or any cooking oil
1 tbsp minced garlic
½ medium yellow onion, minced
2 large bell peppers, chopped (any color)
1 lb 85% lean ground beef
3 tbsp taco seasoning
½ cup tomato sauce
2 tbsp green chiles (mild or spicy)
15 oz canned black beans, rinsed
1 cup instant brown or white rice
1½ cups beef broth
½ cup shredded Mexican cheese
Instructions
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add garlic, onion, and peppers. Sauté 3–5 minutes.
Push veggies aside, add ground beef. Cook 7–9 minutes, breaking up until browned.
Mix in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, green chiles, and beans. Cook 2–3 minutes.
Add rice and broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low 20 minutes.
Top with cheese. Let melt on stovetop or in oven. Serve hot with chips or tortillas.
Notes
Use a deep 12–16 inch skillet or Dutch oven. To reheat, add a splash of broth and cover. For spicier flavor, use hot chiles or chipotle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1⅓ cups
- Calories: 379
- Sugar: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 27g
Conclusion
Thank you so much for joining me in making this delicious Mexican Ground Beef Skillet! Preparing a single-pan meal like this always fills me with joy—it’s flavorful, comforting, and unbelievably easy. I love how the vibrant mix of spices, veggies, beans, and rice comes together so quickly, melting into something both nourishing and festive. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just craving a cozy dinner, this dish always hits the spot. I hope you enjoy each savory bite as much as I do. Happy cooking—and cheers to your next tasty skillet meal! 🌮