Looking for a delicious and budget-friendly meal that will fill up your hungry family? This Spanish Rice and Beef Skillet is the perfect solution! With a mouthwatering combination of seasoned ground beef, savory Spanish rice, and the hearty flavors of black beans, corn, and tomatoes, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s topped with melted cheese and served with a dollop of sour cream and crispy tortilla chips for that extra touch.
This recipe makes a large portion, perfect for feeding a family of five, including three teenagers and a hardworking husband with a big appetite. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and ready in just about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or a dish that will keep everyone coming back for seconds, this skillet meal is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 1 box of Rice-A-Roni Spanish Rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can (15 oz) of corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 lb of ground beef, seasoned (see seasoning options below)
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Sour cream (optional, for topping)
- Tortilla chips (optional, for serving)
Seasoning Options for Ground Beef
- Taco Seasoning: Use a packet or homemade blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Southwest Seasoning: Add cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet or pan, cook the seasoned ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Prepare the Rice:
- Follow the instructions on the Rice-A-Roni Spanish Rice box. This usually involves adding the rice and seasoning packet to the skillet, along with a specific amount of water (as per package instructions).
- Combine Ingredients:
- Once the rice has been simmering for a few minutes, add the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice) to the skillet.
- Stir in the drained corn and rinsed black beans.
- Cover and let the mixture simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid (usually about 15-20 minutes).
- Final Touches:
- Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, cover the skillet, and let it melt for a minute or two.
- Serve the skillet meal hot, topped with sour cream and with tortilla chips on the side.
Tips
- Stretching the Meal: For extra volume, you can add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, sautéed with the beef.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or diced green chilies if desired.
- Make it a Burrito Bowl: Serve the mixture over a bed of lettuce and garnish with avocado slices for a burrito bowl variation.
- Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers and can be easily reheated for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
