If you’re searching for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner, this Mexican Ground Beef Skillet is your one-pan solution. In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up a full meal loaded with seasoned ground beef, hearty black beans, tender rice, and vibrant vegetables—all simmered together with bold spices. It’s the perfect answer for busy evenings, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
This skillet is rich in flavor, packed with protein, and flexible enough to serve in multiple ways—from bowls to burritos.
Table of Contents
Why a Mexican Ground Beef Skillet Works So Well
There’s something universally appealing about skillet meals. They come together quickly, they’re easy to clean up, and when made right, every bite is packed with depth. A Mexican Ground Beef Skillet takes that a step further by blending savory meat, vegetables, and spices into a cohesive, craveable dish.
By using pantry staples like canned beans, rice, and tomato sauce, this dish becomes as budget-friendly as it is delicious. The trick lies in cooking everything in layers, allowing the beef to brown properly and the spices to bloom in the oil before bringing it all together.
From game days to busy weeknights, this dish always delivers comfort with a kick.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
A one-pan Mexican Ground Beef Skillet loaded with bold flavor, tender beef, black beans, colorful peppers, rice, and melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup canned black beans, drained
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup diced tomatoes (or canned)
3/4 cup quick-cooking rice (white or brown)
1.5 cups beef broth
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, cook until soft.
- Add ground beef, brown it fully while breaking it apart.
- Stir in bell peppers and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Season with cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add black beans, corn, tomatoes, rice, and broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Remove lid, sprinkle with cheese, cover again for 2 minutes until melted.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan, Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The strength of this recipe is in its simplicity. With a few quality ingredients, you’ll get bold flavor and hearty texture every time.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, any color
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean for flavor)
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped green chiles
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup quick-cooking rice (brown or white)
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
How to Make a Flavorful Skillet in Minutes
You won’t need to juggle multiple pans or complicated steps here. Just follow these simple stages:
- Heat oil in a skillet and sauté garlic, onions, and bell peppers until softened.
- Push veggies to the side and brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
- Stir everything together and season with taco spices.
- Add tomato sauce, green chiles, beans, rice, and broth.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Top with cheese and let it melt before serving.
This method ensures rich depth without needing to spend hours in the kitchen.
How to Serve It: Beyond the Bowl
This skillet is a meal in itself, but you can switch it up depending on the occasion.
- Serve it nacho-style with tortilla chips
- Wrap it in warm tortillas for burritos or tacos
- Scoop it over lettuce for a low-carb taco bowl
- Enjoy it solo with a side of avocado or lime
Each option offers new textures and flavors without having to reinvent the base recipe.
Pro Tips to Elevate Your Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Cooking a great skillet dish is all about attention to small details. These tips make a big difference:
- Let the beef sear before mixing with vegetables
- Stir every 5–7 minutes while simmering to prevent sticking
- Use instant rice only, or cook long-grain rice separately and stir in
- A splash of broth at the end can keep it from drying out
- Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving to meld flavors
With just a few tweaks, this meal goes from good to unforgettable.
Smart Variations for Every Preference
One of the best parts of a Mexican Ground Beef Skillet is how easily it adapts to your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken
- Replace rice with cooked quinoa
- Add a can of corn for sweetness and texture
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes instead of sauce for a smoky flavor
- Make it spicy with jalapeños or chipotle powder
Looking to explore more bold and beef-forward recipes? Don’t miss this Crying Tiger Beef recipe—a spicy, grilled Thai-style dish that’s just as punchy and satisfying in flavor.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use regular rice instead of instant?
Yes, but cook it separately and mix it in at the end. Or add more broth and increase the simmer time.
What cheese works best for topping?
A shredded Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or cheddar work beautifully.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it lasts 3–4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Just leave the cheese off and freeze the cooled skillet contents in a zip-top bag.
Is it spicy?
It’s flavorful but mild. You can control the heat by adjusting the green chiles or adding fresh hot peppers.
Final Thoughts on This Flavor-Packed Skillet
The Mexican Ground Beef Skillet is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a flexible, reliable, and satisfying dish that turns everyday ingredients into something crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping lunches, or throwing together a casual dinner for guests, this recipe rises to the occasion every time.
With just one pan and under 40 minutes, you can serve a dish that’s rich, colorful, and full of bold, balanced flavor.
If you’re hungry for more creative, layered, and modern recipes, follow me on social media:
📸 Instagram
📘 Facebook
📌 Pinterest
I share weekly inspiration, step-by-step reels, and tips to transform your home cooking game. Let’s cook something unforgettable together.