Name: Easy Mexican Cheesy Taco Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or leaner); 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed); 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper (any color), diced; 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked); 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon salt, more to taste; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice); 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce; 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth; 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar/jack); ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for garnish); Sour cream, for serving (optional); Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional); Tortilla chips, for serving (optional)

The Easy Mexican Cheesy Taco Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is your answer to a quick, hearty, and satisfying dinner that’s packed with bold flavors. Mexican-inspired cuisine has traveled across the world, delighting taste buds with its vibrant colors, robust spices, and satisfying comfort food qualities.

Tacos, beef, gooey cheese, and perfectly seasoned rice come together in this one-pan wonder, creating a meal that’s both budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re seeking a weeknight meal for the family, a festive dish for gatherings, or a new staple for your recipe rotation, this skillet recipe delivers.

The beauty of this Easy Mexican Cheesy Taco Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe lies in its simplicity, utilizing pantry staples and classic Mexican seasonings such as cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika to evoke a sense of culinary adventure without the hassle.

Traditionally, Mexican households have always embraced dishes that bring everyone to the table - often centering on rice, beans, seasoned meats, and fresh salsas.

By blending these beloved elements into a single skillet, this recipe pays homage to traditional flavors while adapting to the contemporary need for delicious, fast, and minimal cleanup meals.

With ingredients readily available at most grocery stores and preparation that requires little culinary experience, even beginner home cooks can master this Easy Mexican Cheesy Taco Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe.

For anyone looking to add flavor and convenience to their meal plan, this dish will quickly become a household favorite, drawing everyone back to the table for more.

Join the many who have discovered the ease and taste of this skillet sensation and read on to learn how you can recreate this feast in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt, more to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
1 cup frozen corn kernels

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar/jack)
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for garnish)

Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
Tortilla chips, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Heat a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
If the pan is dry, add olive oil. Stir in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic, taco seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring frequently until fragrant.
Stir in the uncooked rice and let it toast lightly with the meat and spices for about 1 minute.

Pour in the diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, and beef or chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Add frozen corn and black beans. Mix to fully combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and most liquid is absorbed.
Uncover the skillet and stir in half of the shredded cheese until melted and incorporated.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and let sit off the heat for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and gooey.
Garnish with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice if desired, and green onions. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and tortilla chips on the side.

Nutritional Information

The Easy Mexican Cheesy Taco Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe strikes a fine balance between indulgence and nutrition, offering a robust meal packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.

Each serving (based on six servings per skillet) typically provides approximately 450-500 calories, making it an appropriate portion for lunch or dinner when paired with salad or fresh vegetables.

The ground beef supplies high-quality protein to support muscle growth and satiety, while the black beans and corn deliver complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which can aid in digestive health and keep you full for longer periods.

The mixture of cheese adds calcium and richness but is best enjoyed in moderation, especially for those monitoring saturated fat intake. Bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes contribute vitamin C, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds to help boost immunity and reduce inflammation.

By opting for reduced-sodium broth and rinsing canned beans, you can further control the sodium content of the meal. For those interested in adjusting the healthy profile, using lean ground beef or ground turkey, or even substituting brown rice for white rice, can help lower cholesterol or increase fiber content.

This dish is a wholesome, well-rounded meal and, when served with fresh garnishes, delivers both nutrition and comfort. Always consult specific ingredient packaging for detailed nutrition facts to ensure any dietary restrictions are adequately addressed.

Wine and Beverage Pairings

The Easy Mexican Cheesy Taco Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe pairs wonderfully with a range of beverages that complement its savory and slightly spicy flavor profile. A classic cold Mexican lager or pilsner provides the ideal crispness to refresh your palate between mouthfuls of cheesy beef and rice.

For wine enthusiasts, consider a fruity and light red such as Pinot Noir or a Zinfandel to complement the spices without overpowering them. White wine lovers might enjoy a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño, which both offer a bright, citrusy note to cut through the richness of the skillet.

Non-alcoholic options include a homemade agua fresca—such as watermelon or cucumber-lime—or an ice-cold sparkling lemonade to add a refreshing and family-friendly balance. For a more festive occasion, serve with a classic margarita or michelada.

Whichever beverage you choose, ensure it is served chilled to provide a delightful contrast to this warm, hearty dish.

Cooking Tips and Variations

Preparing the Easy Mexican Cheesy Taco Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe can be even more enjoyable with a handful of expert tips and easy variations. To boost the flavor profile, use freshly ground spices whenever possible and toast them briefly before adding liquids; this unlocks more of their aromatic potential.

If you desire a milder dish, reduce the chili powder or substitute with smoked paprika for flavor without the heat. On the other hand, spice enthusiasts can add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or even a splash of hot sauce alongside the tomatoes.

For a healthier twist, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, or substitute white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and add extra fiber.

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the meat and increasing black beans or adding other beans such as pinto or kidney beans. Cheese alternatives, such as reduced-fat or plant-based cheeses, work well for those with dietary restrictions.

In case you're pressed for time, use pre-chopped vegetables and ready-to-eat microwaveable rice, though be mindful to adjust cooking times to prevent overcooking. Leftovers can be repurposed as taco or burrito fillings, stuffed peppers, or even as a nacho topping for a fresh meal with minimal extra effort.

The recipe is adaptable to your preferences, so don’t hesitate to experiment with what you have on hand—this is the spirit of a true skillet supper.

Serving Suggestions

Serving the Easy Mexican Cheesy Taco Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is all about creating a festive and communal dining experience. Present the skillet directly at the table for a rustic, family-style appeal and let everyone serve themselves, encouraging lively conversation and engagement.

This dish stands beautifully on its own, thanks to the balance of protein, vegetables, and grains, but you can elevate the meal further with a range of vibrant garnishes.

Set out bowls of fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, and shredded lettuce so each diner can personalize their plate. For added crunch, serve with tortilla chips, crispy tostadas, or soft warm tortillas to scoop up every last bite.

To round out the meal, consider pairing with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or a bowl of fresh fruit. This skillet is also ideal for casual gatherings, potlucks, or game-day feasts, as it retains heat well and is easy to transport.

If you have leftovers, spoon the cheesy beef and rice mixture into burrito wraps, taco shells, or use it as a hearty filling for stuffed bell peppers—adding even more versatility to your meal planning.

This recipe adapts beautifully to various dietary preferences and occasions, making it a reliable choice whenever you want to impress guests or bring your family together for a comforting meal.

Health Benefits

The Easy Mexican Cheesy Taco Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe packs plenty of comforting flavors while also offering impressive health benefits when prepared thoughtfully.

Rich in protein from both the beef and black beans, this meal helps support muscle repair and lasting fullness, making it great for active individuals and growing families.

The inclusion of corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion provides a wealth of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants such as vitamin C, lycopene, and beta-carotene for immune support and cellular health.

For those mindful of their sodium intake, using low-sodium broth and draining canned beans are easy adjustments, and opting for leaner ground beef or swapping in turkey reduces saturated fat.

Adding fresh toppings such as avocado or fresh salsa not only increases flavor but adds beneficial monounsaturated fats and extra nutrients. For gluten-free diners, rest assured—this skillet is naturally gluten-free when you verify all packaged ingredients.

While cheese adds calcium and satisfying creaminess, using reduced-fat cheese or decreasing the amount can manage calorie and fat content without losing flavor. This hearty, balanced meal is a nourishing option that, when enjoyed as part of a varied and whole foods-based diet, contributes to overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Easy Mexican Cheesy Taco Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this skillet recipe is ideal for meal prep. Simply assemble and cook as directed, cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if necessary to loosen the mixture.

Can I freeze leftovers of this skillet recipe?

Absolutely! Allow the dish to cool fully before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a covered skillet or the microwave for best results.

What if I don’t have Mexican blend cheese?

No problem. You can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or any combination that melts well. For a spicy kick, include some pepper jack or add a splash of hot sauce.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the ground beef and add extra beans such as pinto or kidney beans. You can also add diced zucchini or more bell peppers to boost the vegetable content.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well but will require a longer simmer time (typically 35-40 minutes) and may need a bit more broth. Adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed to ensure the rice is tender.

The Easy Mexican Cheesy Taco Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe is a celebration of bold flavors, nutritional goodness, and convenient cooking—all in one skillet. With classic Mexican-inspired spices, hearty ground beef, nutty rice, and a rich layer of melty cheese, this meal brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table. Its versatility means you can easily adjust ingredients to accommodate dietary needs or simply use what you have on hand. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or meal prepping, this skillet recipe is bound to become a cherished favorite in your household. Take pleasure in sharing a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and enjoy the ease and satisfaction that comes with this delicious, all-in-one dish.