Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

The Mexican Ground Beef Skillet is a one-pan masterpiece that delivers comfort, bold flavors, and satisfying texture in every bite. Combining seasoned ground beef, tender rice, zesty tomatoes, melty cheese, and creamy avocado, it’s the kind of meal that brings the whole table together. Plus, everything comes together in under 40 minutes!

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Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this dish is simple, affordable, and loaded with crowd-pleasing flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just want something that feels like a warm hug after a long day, this cheesy beef skillet is a must-make. Don’t forget a generous squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro for that fresh finish!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes

• 1.5 cups beef broth

• 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

• 1 avocado, sliced (for garnish)

• Juice from 1/2 lime

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until they begin to soften.

3. Stir in the uncooked white rice, tomato paste, and all spices (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper). Mix well until the rice and vegetables are coated.

4. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and beef broth. Stir to combine.

5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and liquid is absorbed.

6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover for 2 minutes until melted.

7. Garnish with chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Beauty of One-Pan Meals

One of the biggest advantages of this Mexican Ground Beef Skillet is that it’s a one-pan meal. That means less time spent on dishes and more time spent enjoying your food and your evening. Skillet meals also offer a way to build flavor, as ingredients are added in stages and cooked together, allowing the spices and natural juices to marry beautifully. In this dish, for example, the rice cooks directly in the tomato and beef broth mixture, absorbing all the spices and meat juices for maximum flavor.

For families or individuals who like batch cooking or meal prep, this recipe is a go-to. It reheats well and maintains its texture and taste even after a couple of days in the fridge. Plus, it freezes nicely, making it a reliable freezer meal option when you need a fast, no-fuss dinner.

Flavor Profile and Customization

This skillet is grounded in the robust flavors of traditional Mexican spices such as cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. These spices give the dish its signature warmth and depth, without being overwhelmingly spicy. However, if you like heat, you can easily turn it up by adding jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.

The use of diced tomatoes adds a juicy acidity that balances the richness of the beef and the starchiness of the rice. The final toppings—avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and cheese—bring freshness, creaminess, and a satisfying finish to every bite.

Customization is another major plus of this recipe. You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option. You can even go plant-based by using lentils or a vegan meat alternative. Likewise, you can play with different types of rice—brown rice for extra fiber, or even cauliflower rice if you’re going low-carb. Want to add more veggies? Corn, black beans, zucchini, or spinach are great additions.

Ideal for Meal Planning and Leftovers

This dish is a powerhouse for meal planning. One batch can serve multiple meals, and the leftovers only get better as the flavors have more time to meld. It’s a great lunch option that reheats well in the microwave, retaining its taste and texture.

If you’re planning ahead, you can also pre-cook the ground beef and chop your vegetables in advance. That way, you can throw the meal together in under 20 minutes on a busy night. The skillet also makes a fantastic freezer meal—just cook, cool, and portion it into containers to freeze for up to three months.

Nutritional Balance and Benefits

While this dish feels indulgent, it can be quite balanced nutritionally. With protein from the ground beef, fiber and complex carbohydrates from the rice, and vitamins from the vegetables and toppings, it’s a complete meal on its own. By using lean beef and minimizing the cheese, you can keep the fat content in check. Alternatively, go all in on the comfort food angle—either way, the dish remains nourishing and filling.

If you’re serving picky eaters or kids, this dish is also a winner. The cheese and mild flavors tend to appeal to a wide range of palates, and you can always set aside some plain beef or rice before mixing in spicier ingredients for more sensitive taste buds.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

This skillet dish is as visually appealing as it is flavorful. The contrast of the reddish rice, green cilantro, golden cheese, and fresh avocado slices makes for a vibrant plate. Serve it directly from the skillet for a rustic family-style presentation, or dish it into individual bowls for a more polished look.

You can pair it with a simple side salad, tortilla chips and guacamole, or warm corn tortillas to round out the meal. For drinks, consider a chilled agua fresca, sparkling water with lime, or even a light beer or margarita to complement the spices.

Why This Dish Works for Any Occasion

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping meals for the week, or just trying to get dinner on the table fast, this dish fits the bill. It’s budget-friendly, adaptable, and deeply satisfying. Its ingredients are pantry staples, and its preparation is straightforward—no complicated cooking techniques required.

The Mexican Ground Beef Skillet is also a great entry point for those new to cooking. With just one pan and a bit of chopping, even a beginner can create a flavorful, comforting meal that tastes like it came from a favorite Mexican restaurant.

A Cultural Nod with a Modern Twist

While not an authentic traditional Mexican recipe, this dish borrows from the rich flavors and cooking principles of Mexican cuisine—layered spices, hearty ingredients, and an emphasis on shared meals. It’s a modern, North American take on those comforting flavors, designed for speed and convenience without sacrificing taste.

With a few tweaks, you could even serve this dish in a more traditional setting. Scoop it into taco shells or burritos, top it with fresh crema and pickled onions, or bake it into a casserole dish with additional cheese on top for a party-ready entrée.

Conclusion

The Mexican Ground Beef Skillet is more than just a quick dinner idea—it’s a delicious solution to your busy weeknights, a crowd-pleasing family meal, and a flexible foundation for culinary creativity. From its bold flavor to its practical simplicity, it checks all the boxes. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make it your own, this one-pan wonder is sure to earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.

So the next time you find yourself wondering what to cook with ground beef and a few pantry staples, think of this skillet. It’s the kind of dish that proves that simple can still be incredibly satisfying.