What is a weeknight lifesaver? Mexican Beef and Rice. Is this one of those dishes that I throw together when I’m craving something comforting? I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Is it good for you? Think of it as a cross between beefy taco and creamy Rice Casserole – all made in one pot for one meal. What are some of the best burrito bowls? I think it might even be better!

What is Mexican Beef and Rice?

Mexican Beef and Rice is exactly what it sounds like – a hearty and flavorful dish combining beef and rice. seasoned ground beef with fluffy rice, all simmered together in a tomato-based sauce with the chicken. What is the perfect blend of spices? Think of it as a deconstructed burrito bowl. Cooked in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal fat. What is comfort food with a zesty twist? I always wanted to make meal prep easy, and this recipe came about because I was always trying to find ways to help make it easier. What are some of those dishes that taste better the next day? What is the perfect weeknight meal?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the best things about this flavor? What are some of the best spices in the world: savory beef, fluffy rice, tangy tomatoes, and a whole symphony of spices. Can we sing together? Is there a flavor explosion in every bite? What’s the easiest meal you’ve ever made? Is it safe to cook everything in one pot? Who doesn’t love easy cleanup? What I love about this is how cost-effective it is. Is ground beef cheap? What are some good spices to have on hand? Can you serve it as is, load it into tortillas for burritos, or top it with your favorite tacos? What are some of the best toppings for a customizable feast? If you’re a fan of easy, flavorful, and budget-friendly meals like my recipe, this is it.One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies Recipe. or my Creamy Tomato Pasta with Sausage. Enjoy!If you love Mexican Beef and Rice, then you will absolutely adore this one!

How do I make Mexican Beef and Rice?

Quick Overview

What is the lowdown on a new video? How do I brown ground beef with onions and garlic, add in our spices and tomato sauce? If the rice is too thick, stir in the broth. Simmer it all together until the rice is cooked and the flavors have melded into something magical. Is it really that easy? What is the secret to a tender rice? We’re aiming for perfect texture, not mush!

Ingredients

What is the difference between Mexican Beef and Rice?

* 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor)
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel)
* 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
* 2 cups beef broth
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch Oven, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. If you can break it up with a spoon, drain off any excess grease. I always use a leaner ground beef, but even then, it’s important to drain the fat to keep the dish. Why is my skin greasy?

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. What is the aroma of onions and garlic cooking together?

Step 3: Add Spices

Stir in the cumin, cayenne pepper, and chili powder (if using). Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step is crucial for blooming the spices and releasing their full flavor. Don’t skip it!

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Rice

What’s the best way to serve the tomato sauce with rice? Make sure the rice is rinsed to remove excess starch, which will prevent it from getting gummy.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Pour in the beef broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Is the rice cooked through? Is it necessary to lift the lid during simmering?

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

How do I remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes? This allows the rice to finish steaming and become perfectly fluffy. Fluff the Mexican Beef and Rice with a fork and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

What is the best way to serve it?

Oh, the possibilities! Mexican Beef and Rice is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with some toppings.For a Classic Taco Night: What is the best tacoServe it with warm tortillas, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, cheese, and Sour Cream. What is a burrito bowl?For a Fiesta-Style Meal:Top it with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and some fresh basil. What is the best way to slice greenFor a Spicy Kick:Add a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or pickled jalapeos. I’m a big fan of Cholula or Tapatio! Growing up, my family would always have this with a big side of tortilla chips and salsa. What a great dinner everyone loved!

What are some tips for perfecting Mexican Beef and Rice?

Let’s talk about pro tips!Beef Quality:I usually go for 80/20 ground beef for flavor, you can definitely use leaner ground meat if you like. How do I cook beef in a pot?Rice Rinse:Don’t skip rinsing rice! This step is crucial for preventing rice from becoming sticky and gummy. Is it safe to rinse under cold water?Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, feel free to omit the cayenne pepper. You can also use mild diced tomatoes and green chilies instead of the regular ones.

Liquid Ratio: The key to perfectly cooked rice is the liquid ratio. Make sure you use 2 cups of broth for every 1 cup of rice. If you find that the rice is still a little bit crunchy after 25 minutes, add a little more broth and continue to simmer until it’s cooked through.

Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting time after cooking! This allows the rice to finish steaming and become perfectly fluffy. Just remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing and serving.

Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a can of black beans or corn to the pot along with the tomatoes and rice. It adds a nice texture and sweetness to the dish.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Mexican Beef and Rice is perfect for meal prepping because it stores so well.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled Mexican Beef and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the cooled Mexican Beef and Rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat, simply microwave the Mexican Beef and Rice until heated through, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

I often make a big batch of this on Sunday and then portion it out into containers for lunches throughout the week. It’s a lifesaver on busy days!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to simmer it for about 45-50 minutes, and you may need to add more broth.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.

Can I add cheese to the pot while it’s cooking?

I wouldn’t recommend it. The cheese will melt and can make the rice sticky and clumpy. It’s best to add the cheese as a topping after the dish is cooked.

What if I don’t have beef broth?

You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead. You can even use water, but the beef broth adds a richer flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and add a can of black beans or pinto beans instead. You can also add some chopped vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Beef and Rice is more than just a recipe; it’s a flavor-packed adventure that’s incredibly easy to make and endlessly customizable. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and spice, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time. If you’re looking for other easy and delicious one-pot meals, check out my One-Pot Chicken and Rice or my One-Pot Pasta Primavera. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations – I’d love to see what you come up with!