Mexi Ground Beef Rice Skillet
This is quite tasty, the jalapeno pepper is only optional I like to add in for extra heat, Italian sausages with the casings removed may be used in place of the ground beef or use ground turkey, I also like to add in some cooked crumbled bacon or smoked dry sliced sausage but that is only optional
This is quite tasty, the jalapeno pepper is only optional I like to add in for extra heat, Italian sausages with the casings removed may be used in place of the ground beef or use ground turkey, I also like to add in some cooked crumbled bacon or smoked dry sliced sausage but that is only optional
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can stewed tomatoes
- 1 green bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 -2 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
- 1 -2 jalapeno pepper seeded and finely chopped
- 1 package taco seasoning mix (can use more to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (can use water)
- 1 small zucchini diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn or 1 1/2 cups peas
- 1 1/2 cups instant minute rice
- 1 -2 teaspoon seasoning salt (or to taste)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided (you may use more cheese)
- Carbohydrate 20.9067253692036 g
- Cholesterol 97.6071352666667 mg
- Fat 29.5107292886705 g
- Fiber 3.08653380523452 g
- Protein 28.1810873222058 g
- Saturated Fat 14.422355887815 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 serving(s) (308g)
- Sodium 920.963553539284 mg
- Sugar 17.8201915639691 g
- Trans Fat 2.70604553039998 g
- Calories 458 calories
Step-by-step
- In a medium 4-quart heavy pot over medium heat cook the ground beef or sausage meat with onion, garlic, bell pepper and jalapeno pepper; cook until browned then drain fat.
- Add in the taco seasoning mix with a wooden spoon until well combined.
- Add in all remaining ingredients except the cheese; stir with a wooden spoon to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low or low.
- Cover and simmer for 25 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Season with seasoned salt and pepper.
- Mix in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted, the sprinkle the top with 1 cup; let stand for 5 minutes until melted.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Mexi Ground Beef Rice Skillet
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and endless to-do lists, whipping up something from scratch often gets pushed to the bottom of the pile. But let me tell you, this Mexi Ground Beef Rice Skillet has become my absolute weeknight lifesaver. It's incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and best of all, it feeds the whole family.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's no complicated chopping or precise measurements needed – it's all about throwing in your ingredients and letting the magic happen. I often adjust it based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I add extra veggies, like diced tomatoes or zucchini, or I'll swap the ground beef for Italian sausage, giving it a completely different flavor profile. Don't be afraid to experiment! The base recipe is so forgiving that you can really personalize it to your liking. The taco seasoning adds a robust punch of flavor, and the melted cheddar cheese at the end ties it all together beautifully.
What really sets this dish apart is how versatile it is. It's a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it as a side dish. I’ve been known to serve it alongside a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a more substantial meal. Leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it a perfect meal-prep option for busy schedules. The kids love it, my husband devours it, and even I, despite my demanding schedule, find myself looking forward to this comforting and delicious meal.
The best part? It's ready in under 30 minutes. Seriously, you can have this entire meal on the table in less time than it takes to watch your favorite show. The quick cooking time is another reason why I love this recipe. After a long day, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are all readily available at your local grocery store, making it a truly practical and efficient meal solution. And the cleanup is minimal, a huge plus after a long day.
This isn't just a recipe; it's a time-saver, a flavor booster, and a stress reliever all rolled into one. It's the kind of meal that nourishes the body and the soul, without sacrificing precious time or sanity. Trust me, once you try it, you'll understand why it's become a staple in my busy household.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try, even if you're a novice cook. The results are guaranteed to impress, even on the busiest of weeknights. It's become a favorite for spontaneous dinners and last-minute meal solutions. And if you have any left over, they make a fantastic base for some delicious tacos or burritos. It's that kind of resourceful, adaptable dinner that becomes a family favorite. The ease and adaptability of this Mexi Ground Beef Rice Skillet is exactly what makes it a winner in my book, and I’m confident it will become a staple in yours too!
Variations on the Theme:
Spicy Kick: For those who prefer some heat, add a couple of finely chopped jalapeños for some extra zing. Or try using a spicier taco seasoning mix for a bolder flavour.
Vegetarian Option: Easily adapt this recipe to vegetarian preferences by replacing the ground beef with a plant-based crumbles. Make sure you cook the crumbles until they are well browned to enhance the flavour.
Added Protein: Add some cooked chicken, shredded pork, or even some black beans for an extra protein punch. It will add an extra layer of flavour and texture.
Different Rice: If you don't have instant rice, brown rice or long-grain rice can be substituted but bear in mind the cooking time will be longer.
Cheese Lovers Rejoice!: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese; Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a Mexican blend would all be delicious choices.
No matter how you choose to customize it, this Mexi Ground Beef Rice Skillet is a surefire way to satisfy your family's cravings for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner. So go ahead, give it a try! You won't be disappointed.
