Oh, the sizzle of a skillet and the aroma of spices that transport you straight to a bustling Mexican kitchen—it’s like a fiesta in a pan! This beef and rice skillet is an erratic dance of flavors and textures, where every bite feels like a cozy hug on a chilly evening. You know those nights when you just want something simple yet so tantalizingly satisfying? Yeah, this is it.
Steps
- Begin by heating a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it while breaking it apart until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Incorporate the diced onion into the skillet and sauté until it’s softened for around 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Add the Rotel tomatoes along with their juices, the rinsed black beans, corn, and rinsed rice. Stir everything together to ensure an even mix.
- Pour in the chicken stock and add a pinch of salt, bringing the mixture to a light boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook on low for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Turn off the heat, remove the lid, and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro or any of your favorite taco toppings such as diced avocado, jalapeños, or sour cream.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilis (Original)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, either rinsed frozen or canned
- ¾ cup jasmine rice, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican cheese, Colby Jack, or an equal mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3516 kcal | Carbs: 216g | Protein: 192g | Fat: 210g | Saturated Fat: 90g | Polyunsaturated Fat: N/A | Monounsaturated Fat: N/A | Trans Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 642mg | Sodium: 4584mg | Potassium: 3642mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 3786IU | Vitamin C: 60mg | Calcium: 2094mg | Iron: 18mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
- Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. Both alternatives work well and will still deliver great taste.
- Is it necessary to rinse the rice before cooking?
- Rinsing the rice is recommended to remove excess starch and any potential impurities like dust or dirt. Simply place the rice in a sieve and run it under cold water until the water runs clear.
- What can I do if I don’t have taco seasoning on hand?
- If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can create your own blend using common spices you likely have at home. Mix together chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt for a homemade version.
- How can I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a bit of water over the portion to keep it moist, and microwave in 30-second increments until hot, or warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water.
- Can I omit the black beans from the recipe?
- Yes, if you or your family aren’t fans of beans, you can leave them out. You can increase the rice to 1 cup to maintain the dish’s volume and texture.
Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Before cooking, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming too sticky and ensuring it cooks evenly.
- Use the Right Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef to maintain a good balance of flavor and moisture. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but you might need to add a bit more oil during cooking.
- Customize with Toppings: Enhance the dish by adding your favorite taco toppings, such as diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream, for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
- Efficient Reheating: When reheating leftovers, sprinkle a little water over the dish to keep it moist, and consider adding a fresh ingredient like extra cheese or cilantro to rejuvenate the flavors.
Equipment
- Large Skillet with Lid – A key item for making this one-pan recipe.
- Fine Mesh Sieve – Useful for rinsing rice to remove excess starch.
- Garlic Press – If you prefer a tool for mincing garlic over doing it manually.
