Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice.

Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice: Taco-seasoned ground beef cooked with rice, red bell peppers, chunky tomato salsa, sweet yellow corn, and black beans—all in one skillet, then topped with melty cheese and baked until bubbly. Finish it off with a dollop of yogurt, avocado tossed with lime juice, and lots of fresh cilantro. It’s flavorful and so easy to make. A one-skillet dinner everyone in the family will love!

With Cinco de Mayo around the corner, I’ve been leaning into Mexican-inspired dishes more than ever. They’re always some of the most fun—and most delicious—to make.

I grew up on my dad’s tacos (and occasionally his cheesy chorizo bake), so these kinds of meals bring back all the best memories. And now that I’m doing the cooking, it’s exciting to experiment with new recipes built on those same comforting flavors.

This beef and rice skillet isn’t fancy or over-the-top—it’s simple, satisfying, and something I’ve made on repeat. It’s the kind of dish you can throw together on a busy weeknight but still feel good about serving.

Best of all, it’s truly a one-pan meal. You don’t need anything fancy—just your favorite skillet, a handful of pantry staples, and a few fresh toppings to bring it all together.

My oldest brother absolutely loves this one. It has all his favorites: protein-rich beef, just the right amount of spice, rice, veggies, sweet corn, and that irresistible cheesy top. Add avocado and yogurt, and dinner’s done.

The Quick Details for Success

Ingredients 

• ground beef – or use ground chicken
• a yellow onion
• red bell peppers
• taco seasoning
• dry rice
• chunky red salsa – I love the Whole Foods 365 salsa. I usually buy the spicy
• fresh or frozen corn
• black beans
• mixed Mexican cheeses – I love a spicy cheddar, colby jack, and pepper jack blend

Ingredients – for topping 

• plain Greek yogurt – sour cream is good too
• shredded lettuce
• chopped cilantro and scallions
• cubed or sliced avocado
• lime zest and lime juice

Special Tools

You’ll need a large oven-safe skillet. I recommend using a 11-inch cast iron skillet.

Step 1: Cook the beef

Start by cooking the ground beef (or chicken, if you prefer) with the onions, bell peppers, and taco seasoning. After about 10 minutes, the meat should be mostly cooked through and the seasoning will fill your kitchen with the best aroma.

I like to make my own taco seasoning using chili powder, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. So simple and so good!

Step 2: Add the rice

Stir the uncooked rice into the beef and let it toast for a minute or two.

Then mix in the salsa, corn, and black beans. Add water, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer over low heat. You want the rice to be mostly cooked but still a bit firm.

Step 3: Add cheese and bake

Once the rice is nearly done and there’s still a little liquid in the skillet, remove it from the heat and sprinkle on a generous mix of shredded cheese. I like spicy cheddar, pepper jack, and colby jack.

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. The rice will finish cooking, and the top will get a little crispy—so delish!

Step 4: Top it off!

Like chili or tortilla soup, this dish isn’t complete without toppings.

I add a dollop of yogurt, avocado slices, a sprinkle of lime zest and juice, chopped cilantro, scallions, and a pinch of flaked sea salt. Serve with tortilla chips on the side for scooping—it’s the perfect final touch!

Looking for other easy dinners? Here are my favorites: 

One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice

One Pan Lemon Pepper Yogurt Chicken and Rice

One Skillet Louisiana Style Chicken and Rice

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake

Slow Cooker Herbed Chicken and Rice Pilaf

Spicy Sesame Chicken and Ginger Rice

Lastly, if you make this Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!