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Easy One Pan Mexican Beef Rice

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A quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining ground beef, rice, and Mexican spices for a hearty and satisfying dinner ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1 cup (190 g) long grain white rice
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups (475 ml) beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 lime, juiced

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  4. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up clumps, until browned and no pink remains.
  5. Season beef with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; stir well.
  6. Add rice and stir to combine; toast rice in the pan for 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
  7. Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes with juices; stir to mix evenly.
  8. Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and cover with lid.
  9. Cook covered for 18-20 minutes without stirring until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  10. If rice is not done, cover and cook an additional 3-5 minutes.
  11. Remove from heat, fluff rice with a fork, and squeeze lime juice over the top.
  12. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not stir the rice while cooking to avoid gummy texture. Let the dish rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking to finish cooking gently. Use medium heat to brown beef properly. Toast rice before adding liquids for nuttier flavor. For more heat, add jalapeños or cayenne powder. Can substitute ground turkey or chicken, or plant-based ground meat. Use gluten-free broth to keep recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pan, Mexican, beef, rice, easy dinner, quick meal, weeknight recipe, ground beef, skillet meal

Find it online: https://swooshspice.com/easy-one-pan-mexican-beef-rice-recipe-for-flavor-packed-dinner-ideas/