Southwest Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

The Southwest Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is the kind of meal that checks every box for the busy home cook: fast, flavorful, hearty, and made in just one pan. This dish delivers a delicious medley of textures and spices, featuring seasoned ground beef, sweet bell peppers, corn, and rice all smothered in tangy tomatoes and topped with gooey melted cheddar.

Perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time but still craving something satisfying, this skillet meal brings the flavors of a Tex-Mex fiesta right into your kitchen. Plus, cleanup is a breeze thanks to the one-pan preparation. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a side of tortilla chips to make it extra fun for the whole family.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1/2 cup diced onion

• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper

• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

• 1 cup frozen corn kernels

• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

2. Add onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

4. Add diced tomatoes with chilies, corn, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

5. Add the uncooked rice. Stir, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

6. Remove from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover until cheese melts.

7. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Southwest Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: A One-Pan Tex-Mex Comfort Meal

When weeknight dinners start feeling like a never-ending chore, having a go-to recipe that’s fast, flavorful, and family-approved can be a true lifesaver. That’s where this Southwest Ground Beef and Rice Skillet comes into play. With bold Tex-Mex flavors, a comforting combination of ground beef, veggies, rice, and cheese, and the bonus of minimal cleanup, this skillet dinner is a dream come true for busy households.

This dish draws inspiration from classic southwestern cuisine, think smoky spices, vibrant bell peppers, hearty ground beef, and the undeniable comfort of rice simmered to tender perfection. But the magic doesn’t stop there. With just one pan and about 30 minutes of your time, you’ll have a nourishing, restaurant-quality meal on the table that’s both wholesome and satisfying.

A Wholesome, Flavor-Packed One-Pan Dinner

At its heart, this dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can transform into something spectacular. Ground beef serves as the protein base, giving the meal a rich and savory flavor that’s beloved by adults and children alike. Sweet corn and colorful bell peppers provide freshness, crunch, and just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the deeper flavors from the tomato sauce and spices. The rice cooks directly in the pan with the rest of the ingredients, soaking up all those delicious juices, which gives it a deeply savory, almost creamy texture without any dairy (until the cheese topping at the end!).

Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the days ahead, this skillet is a winner. It reheats beautifully and can be customized easily depending on your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Convenience: No pile of dishes waiting for you in the sink. This recipe is all about efficiency, from prep to cleanup.

2. Fast and Easy: Done in about 30–35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for hectic weeknights or when you’re low on energy.

3. Kid-Friendly: Mild spices and a cheesy topping make this dish a hit with even picky eaters.

4. Meal Prep Approved: This skillet stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully.

5. Budget-Friendly: Ground beef, rice, and pantry staples make this an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

6. Customizable: Easily adapt this dish with different proteins, vegetables, or spice levels to suit your taste.

Nutritional Balance and Meal Ideas

This skillet meal is more than just tasty, it’s also surprisingly well-balanced. You get a good dose of protein from the ground beef, fiber from the vegetables and rice, and calcium from the cheese. For those looking to enhance the nutrition profile even more, try using brown rice or adding black beans for extra fiber and plant-based protein. Want to lower the fat content? Simply opt for lean ground beef or even ground turkey.

Pair this skillet with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or some sliced avocado to complete the meal. A side of tortilla chips or warm cornbread also makes a fantastic Tex-Mex-inspired accompaniment. If you’re entertaining, consider serving it alongside salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for a festive and interactive dinner spread.

Variations and Customization Ideas

This recipe is incredibly flexible. Here are a few ways you can switch things up depending on what you have available:

• Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or a few splashes of hot sauce.

• Change the Protein: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives.

• Add More Veggies: Zucchini, diced carrots, or spinach work wonderfully and add extra nutrition.

• Try Different Cheeses: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all pair well with the southwest flavors.

• Top it Off: Before serving, try topping your skillet with crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, or fresh avocado slices.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

One of the best parts of this dish is how well it stores. You can make a big batch on Sunday night and enjoy it throughout the week. It keeps for several days in an airtight container in the fridge and is ideal for reheating in the microwave or stovetop. In fact, some people find that the flavors develop even more after a day or two. You can also portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze it for up to 3 months, making it a wonderful grab-and-go option for future meals.

Southwest Skillet for the Whole Family

One-pan dinners are often considered a cook’s best friend, and this Southwest Ground Beef and Rice Skillet goes above and beyond. It’s cozy enough to feel like comfort food yet nourishing enough to serve as a complete meal. Plus, the colorful ingredients and cheesy topping make it feel fun and festive, a great way to bring excitement back to your dinner table.

Parents love it for how easy it is. Kids love it for how cheesy and flavorful it is. And you’ll love it because it’s that magical combination of quick, budget-friendly, and delicious. Whether you’re serving it on a quiet Tuesday night or doubling the batch for a casual gathering, it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

Conclusion

When you’re looking for a satisfying, one-pan dinner that’s full of bold flavors and easy to make, this Southwest Ground Beef and Rice Skillet hits the mark. It’s the type of recipe that delivers on every level, taste, nutrition, convenience, and presentation. From busy weeknights to potluck gatherings, this dish brings people together around the table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

So, the next time you find yourself staring into your pantry wondering what to cook, remember this simple, delicious, and foolproof skillet meal. Try it once, and it just might become your new weeknight staple.