Description
One-Skillet Cheesy Tex-Mex Rice & Beef Bake is the ultimate comfort food that brings bold flavors, creamy cheese, and hearty ingredients together in one pan. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, beans, tomatoes, and a medley of Tex-Mex spices, all topped with gooey melted cheese. Not only does it save time by using just one skillet, but it also delivers a filling, family-friendly meal packed with protein and nutrients. Whether served fresh from the skillet or enjoyed as leftovers, it’s a wholesome dish that satisfies both taste and convenience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper, and sauté until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, beans, corn, and broth. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Once rice is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet for a few minutes until cheese melts, or place under a broiler for a bubbly golden finish. Garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeños before serving hot.
Servings
Serves 6
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 420
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Notes
This dish can be customized with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles. For extra creaminess, stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt before topping with cheese. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Tips
For best results, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged varieties to ensure smoother melting. Add extra broth if the rice needs more cooking time. Spice levels can be adjusted by increasing or reducing chili powder and jalapeños. Serving it with avocado slices or tortilla chips elevates the meal even more.
Health Benefits
This Tex-Mex skillet bake offers a balanced meal with protein from beef and beans, fiber from rice and vegetables, and calcium from cheese. The tomatoes and bell peppers contribute vitamin C, while beans and corn provide energy-sustaining carbohydrates. Using lean beef or turkey keeps the dish lower in saturated fat, and the one-skillet cooking method helps retain nutrients while cutting down on excess oil.
Q & A
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but increase the cooking time and add a little more broth since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can prepare the beef and rice mixture in advance and simply reheat with cheese before serving.
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, allow it to cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Q: How can I make it vegetarian?
A: Replace beef with additional beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute.