There’s something deeply comforting about a skillet full of rich, tomatoey beef and perfectly seasoned rice simmering together on the stove. This beefy Spanish rice skillet is the kind of no-fuss, one-pan dinner that fills your kitchen with the best cozy aromas—and your plate with bold, satisfying flavor.
It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and made with simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Other Easy One Pan Skillet Meals:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan = easy cleanup
- Budget-friendly pantry meal
- Hearty, filling, and family-approved
- Perfect for meal prep or leftovers
- Classic comfort food with bold flavor
What Is Spanish Rice with Ground Beef?
Spanish rice skillet (sometimes called Mexican-style rice with beef) is a classic one-pan dish made with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, rice, and spices. Everything cooks together, allowing the rice to absorb all that rich, savory flavor.
This version leans into a homey, old-school skillet dinner vibe—simple, cozy, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 can stewed tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
How to Make Beefy Spanish Rice Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Add diced onion and green pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Add Rice & Liquids
Pour in stewed tomatoes (with juices), water, and uncooked rice. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–22 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Spanish Rice Skillet
- Use long grain rice for the best texture
- Don’t skip simmer time—this is where flavor builds
- Let it rest before serving for perfectly fluffy rice
- Add a splash more water if rice needs extra time
Easy Variations
- Add shredded cheese on top for a melty finish
- Stir in black beans or corn for extra texture
- Use ground turkey for a lighter option
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for deeper flavor
Other Tex Mex & Southwestern Style Meal Ideas:
Beefy Spanish Rice Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This easy beefy Spanish rice skillet is a hearty one-pan dinner made with ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and simple pantry spices. It’s bold, comforting, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 medium onion, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 can stewed tomatoes (with juices)
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1 ½ cups water
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1 cup uncooked long grain rice
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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½ teaspoon dried basil
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Salt, to taste
-
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
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Add diced onion and green pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add tomato paste, chili powder, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor.
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Pour in stewed tomatoes (with juices), water, and uncooked rice. Stir well.
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Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–22 minutes until rice is tender.
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Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Notes
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Use long grain rice for best texture
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Add extra water if rice needs more time
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Let it rest before serving for fluffy rice
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Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 25 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner, ground beef
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: AMERICAN | TEX MEX
Storage & Reheating
- Store in airtight container up to 4 days
- Reheat with a splash of water to keep it moist
- Freezes well for up to 2 months
FAQs
Can I use instant rice?
Not recommended—this recipe is designed for uncooked long grain rice for best texture.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Why is my rice still hard?
It likely needs more liquid or time. Add a splash of water and continue simmering.
This beefy Spanish rice skillet is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—simple ingredients, bold flavor, and everything made in one cozy pan. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want an easy, comforting dinner, this dish delivers every time. Save it, pin it, and keep it in your weekly rotation—you’ll be glad you did.
