Need an easy Mexican beef and rice skillet recipe? This one-skillet Mexican beef and rice is not only healthy, it comes together quickly and with just 7 ingredients. This healthy one-skillet dinner is also great for meal prepping for the week!
Love fresh, Mexican-inspired flavors? Try my Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken, which is a great option for a quick and easy dinner.
If you’re always on the hunt for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner idea, this Mexican beef and rice needs to go on your dinner list! Made with just 7 simple ingredients, this healthy dinner recipe can be made all in one skillet on the stove top in under 20 minutes.
Is this one skillet Mexican beef and rice healthy?
This beef and rice recipe is made with some healthy substitutes, like cauliflower rice and can be made with either lean ground beef or ground turkey.
Additionally, because it’s made with lean ground beef and black beans, this skillet is loaded with over 20g of protein per serving, making it a fantastic high protein, low carb dinner option.
What do I need to a Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet recipe?
Here’s a quick-reference grocery list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this one skillet recipe:
- Ground beef – I recommend using a 90/10 beef to fat ratio, however, you can go even leaner. You can also substitute ground turkey or ground chicken as your protein source.
- Taco seasoning – I like using my homemade taco seasoning, however you can certainly use a store-bought mix as well.
- Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Chilies – this is found where the canned tomatoes are located in your grocery store. Rotel comes in Original, Mild or Hot options.
- Black Beans – adding black beans to this recipe not only increases the fiber and protein in this recipe, it adds some extra volume.
- Frozen riced cauliflower – adding a package of riced cauliflower keeps this recipe low carb, making it a great healthy option.
- Shredded cheese – I used shredded Cheddar cheese, however you could also use Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, White Cheddar or any Mexican Blend.
- Hot sauce – I like Cholula hot sauce, but Frank’s Hot Sauce is also a great option. Feel free to use any hot sauce brand you prefer.
For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post to recipe card.
How do I make Mexican Beef and Rice skillet?
Start by browning your ground beef or turkey. Drain off any excess grease that may render.
Then, add in the can of Rotel tomatoes (with the liquid) and the taco seasoning. Heat over medium heat and stir together to combine. Bring to a low simmer.
While this ground beef mixture comes to a simmer, defrost your frozen cauliflower rice in the microwave. Defrost for 2-3 minutes.
Once all of the liquid has simmered off (this usually takes just a few minutes), add the package of defrosted cauliflower rice. Also, add in the black beans that have been drained and rinsed along with the hot sauce.
Once you’ve mixed in the cauliflower rice and black beans, heat over medium low for 2-3 minutes until the mixture begins to steam and simmer slightly.
Top the Mexican beef and rice with shredded cheese and add a lid to the pan. Keep temperature on medium low for a few more minutes until the cheese melts.
How should I store leftovers?
For best results, transfer any leftovers into a resealable container and refrigerate. This dinner is also great as a meal prep lunch option. Separate out 1 1/2 cup servings into meal prep container and refrigerate until ready to enjoy for lunch.
Need some meal prep container suggestions? Check out my post where I compiled my favorite Meal Prep Containers.
What goes with Mexican Beef and Rice?
Here are some ideas and recipes that go great served with this one-skillet dinner:
- Classic Pico de Gallo Salsa
- Loaded Guacamole
- Southwestern Corn Salsa – great as a topping or side!
- Homemade Taco Sauce Recipe
- Rotel Cheese Dip – with your favorite tortilla chips
- Cucumber Tomato and Avocado Salad
- Authentic Mexican Refried Beans by Mexican Made Meatless
Could you use some other quick dinner recipes? Check these out:
- Ground Beef Quesadillas
- Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
- Shrimp Tacos Air Fryer
- Taco Tater Tot Casserole
- Chicken Taco Salad
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Tater Tot Casserole with Chicken
- Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Taco Mac and Cheese
- Sweet Potato Taco Bowls
- How to Make Tacos 5 Easy Ways
FAQ’s about making One Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice:
Mexican beef and rice includes ground beef, taco seasoning, black beans, tomatoes or salsa, rice and cheese. Some recipes also include corn and are often topped with tortilla chips.
To make healthy taco casserole, substitute the white rice for cauliflower rice, add in black or pinto beans for extra protein and fiber. Additionally, add in extra tomatoes or salsa for fiber and flavor, and use less cheese as a topping. Also, omit the tortilla chips as a topping.
Healthy taco casserole is a great meal prep option. Make the recipe as directed. Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then add a 1 1/2 cup serving to meal prep containers. Add extra salsa, avocados, tomatoes or other toco toppings. Seal with lid and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Could you use more meal prep ideas and inspiration? Check out some of my meal prep resources to help make healthy eating easier:
- Healthy Meal Prep Ideas for the Week
- Breakfast Meal Prep
- Best Meal Prep Containers
- 15 Things I Buy at Costco for Healthy Meals and Snacks
Love this Mexican beef and rice skillet recipe? Here are some other similar recipes that you may enjoy:
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Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
Equipment
- Large Non-Stick Skillet This large Anolon 12" Skillet is ideal for making one-pan meals!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef or ground turkey or chicken
- 2 Tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 (10 oz. can) Rotel tomatoes and chilies with the liquid
- 1 (15.5 oz. can) black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 oz. Pkg.) frozen riced cauliflower
- 1 Tablespoon hot sauce optional
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium high heat. Drain off any excess grease. To the browned meat, add the Rotel (with the liquid) and the taco seasoning. Check out my recipe for homemade taco seasoning.
- Heat meat, seasoning and tomatoes over medium heat until it comes to a simmer, approximately 2-3 minutes. While meat is heating, defrost the cauliflower rice in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or according to package directions.
- To the meat mixture in skillet, add the defrosted cauliflower rice, rinsed black beans and optional hot sauce. Stir together and continue to heat over medium heat for 2-3 more minutes.
- To the top of the casserole, sprinkle on the shredded cheese. Turn off the heat and add a lid to the casserole. The cheese will melt within a couple minutes.
- Serve with your favorite taco toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
I really love this! Almost every week we have taco night and I often like to try new things when we do, but it’s not always a winner. I think they’d really love this, too!
Kate | The Organized Dream
Yum! I will be making this for dinner tonight!
Definitely one the whole family would love – what a great dinner idea!
This looks both delicious and easy!!! My family would love it! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Share The Wealth Sunday!
xoxo
Lisa