Skillet Mexican beef and rice

This Mexican-inspired hamburger and rice skillet is a filling, flavor-packed hot dish that works great as a main course or a potluck side. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, bacon, and melty cheese, it’s one of those comforting ground meat recipes with rice everyone loves.

Hearty and bold in flavor, this dish makes about 8–10 cups, so use a large oven-safe skillet (like a big cast iron) or bake it in a 9×13 pan. It’s one of the easiest ground beef one-pot meals for a busy weeknight.

And while this is a main dish meal in in our house, its also wonderful as a super hearty side dish for a potluck, so do not be afraid to plop it down at an event.

• Recipe Note: This recipe is super easy to assemble and cook, but it does require some prep. Be sure to cook the rice and bacon ahead of time according to their package directions.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups uncooked white basmati rice (or any white rice)
• Water (for cooking the rice)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• Two 10 oz cans of Rotel tomatoes
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
• Sliced jalapeños (optional, for topping)

How to Make Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice

Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Set aside.

In a large ovenproof skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper over medium heat until the meat is browned. Drain excess grease if needed.

Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the Rotel, black beans, and cooked rice.

Top the entire thing with shredded cheese and bacon.

Cover the skillet and bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, until hot and the cheese is melted.

Serve warm, topped with jalapeño slices if desired.

Topping Ideas for this Tex-Mex Rice:

Even though this dish is pretty filling, adding some toppings or having toppings available can really make this so much more comforting. I like to sit out the toppings and let everyone add a little to their meal before we sit down.

• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped cilantro or green onions
• Crushed tortilla chips for added crunch
• Extra shredded cheese or hot sauce

How to Store Leftovers:

Let leftovers cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat Next Day:

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until hot. For larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes.

What to Serve With This Skillet Recipe

If you’re making this cheesy hamburger and rice skillet as a main dish, pair it with something fresh off the grill like Grilled Parmesan Corn or keep it cool and simple with this creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad. Both bring out the Tex-Mex flavors and round out the meal perfectly.

Love This Kind of Meal?

If hearty, family-style dinners are your thing, don’t miss these similar recipes:

• Taco Tortellini Skillet – a cheesy, beefy twist on pasta night.
• Crunchwrap Casserole – layered with tortillas, ground beef, and melty cheese for a weeknight option.