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Square overhead shot of a skillet of ground beef and rice.
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5 from 1 vote

Southwest Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

A flavorful 30-minute meal that everyone at the table will love!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword ground beef and rice, ground beef and rice recipes, ground beef rice, rice and ground beef
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 665kcal
Author Blair Lonergan

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), for heat
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, not drained
  • 1 (15.25 ounce) can corn kernels, drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or sub with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack)
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions; chopped fresh cilantro; squeeze of fresh lime juice; tortilla chips; salsa; chopped tomatoes; guacamole; diced avocado; sour cream; sliced jalapenos

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring regularly and breaking up the meat, until the beef is no longer pink; about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off excess grease.
    Browning ground beef with onion and garlic in a skillet.
  • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. I start with about ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, and then add more to taste if necessary. Cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, corn, and beans. Bring to a simmer; reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes.
    Process shot showing how to make a simple ground beef and rice skillet dinner.
  • Stir in the rice. If the mixture looks a bit dry, add a splash of water, beef broth, or even salsa to loosen it up. Taste the mixture and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
    Adding the shredded cheese to the top of a skillet of ground beef and rice.
  • Cover the skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 more minutes, or until the cheese melts and the ingredients are hot and bubbly.
    Square overhead shot of a skillet of ground beef and rice.
  • Serve in individual bowls and pile each serving high with your favorite toppings for added flavor and texture.
    Square overhead shot of a bowl of southwest ground beef and rice with toppings.

Notes

Start with any variety of cooked rice. Leftovers from a previous meal work great, or you can use microwaveable rice pouches for a shortcut. We like long grain white rice, but brown rice, wild rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice are all great options as well. If you want to use cauliflower rice, make sure that it's well drained so that it doesn't water down the dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/4 of the recipe | Calories: 665kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 1035mg | Potassium: 1095mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 616IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 431mg | Iron: 6mg