Cheesy beef Mexican rice is a delicious dinner idea. This dish is an easy and convenient way to enjoy an incredible Mexican-inspired meal. The rice is loaded with cheesy goodness and has beef as the main ingredient. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a hearty side dish.
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Cheesy Beef Mexican Rice
Cheesy beef Mexican rice is the perfect dinner idea for any rice lover. It’s packed with flavor, so it will be sure to satisfy your taste buds. You can make this dish in a short time, so it won’t take up too much of your time. No one wants to be in the kitchen all night, and this recipe is easy enough that even beginners can handle making it on their own!
You don’t have to go out or order in when you want something tasty – you can easily whip up this meal at home. With just a few simple ingredients and one pan, we know that this meal will become a staple in your household.
Another great idea that is popular but a little more "Americanized" is this simple walking taco casserole recipe! So good and super easy to make!
What Can I Serve With Beef Mexican Rice?
This is a meal all by itself, but if you want to make it a smaller part of your menu, there are tons of things to go alongside it. Of course, below are some great meals that are delicious, but I also like simple sides.
To start, grab your favorite tortilla chips and serve them with this homemade blender salsa or this tasty jalapeno dip. Of course, you can't go wrong with some guacamole or even this Mexican corn salad for dipping.
You could also start the meal with this cheesy beef taco soup or even a plate of cheese Mexican antojitos.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup salsa
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Handy Kitchen Tools
How to Make Beef Mexican Rice
In a large skillet, over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking up clumps as it cooks, for 4 to 5 minutes.
Drain any excess grease off the meat and set aside the cooked beef.
To the pan, add the onions and cook, stirring regularly for 2 to 3 minutes.
Return the ground beef to the pan and add in the taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
Then, add in the tomato sauce, salsa, beef stock, water, and corn. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat then add in the rice.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, checking and stirring regularly to make sure the rice isn't sticking.
Top with cheddar cheese.
Then let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can make this cheesy beef Mexican rice with whatever rice you have, but I prefer long-grain rice. However, it is suggested that you use white rice to best soak up the flavors in this dish. However, jasmine and even brown rice can be used. The cooking times for this rice recipe is based on white rice however, so if you use a different rice, watch the cooking time to make sure the rice is done correctly.
You can make this dish with any type of protein that you prefer. In fact, some Mexican rice options are not made with beef at all! So feel free to substitute your favorite meat into this dish, whether its ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or grilled chicken. You can also use ground pork, sliced meats like steak, pork or even lamb.
This recipe includes whole kernel corn and chopped onions, but you can use anything you prefer. Some common options include green peas, bell peppers, and even on occasion lima beans. You can get creative though and use some of your favorite veggies. Other great options include butternut squash, zucchini, green beans, sweet potatoes, poblano chiles or even carrots. Finely chopped fresh greens like spinach can be added right into the dish before serving.
A lot of people think that Mexican and Spanish rice are the same. They are similar but they are not the same. Spanish rice gets its yellow color from saffron which is a delicious spice that can be very costly. However, the flavor that saffron gives to the Spanish rice is worth it.
Spanish rice is also known to be firmer, while Mexican rice seems like it basically melts in your mouth.
Mexican rice, like this one, gets its beautiful color from cumin and other ingredients in the seasonings. It also uses tomatoes and tomato powder for the bright red color. All of this comes together in this along with the beef to make it a full meal.
More Easy Mexican Inspired Recipes
While these recipes are inspired by Mexican flavors, they are not all authentic. As some would say, they are either Tex-Mex or an Americanized version of popular Mexican dishes. If you like these flavors, below are a few great options to add to your menu. Make sure to bookmark these recipes, pin them to Pinterest, or print the recipes to make soon!
- Mexican Tinga de Pollo {Authentic Mexican Chicken}
- Easy Beef Sheet Pan Quesadilla Recipe
- Spicy Beef Birria Tacos Recipe with Instant Pot Option
- Cheesy Fajita Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- The Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas
- Citrusy Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos
📖 Recipe
Cheesy Beef Mexican Rice Recipe
This tasty cheesy beef Mexican rice recipe is a perfect all-in-one meal that is ready in no time and ideal for being a kid-friendly meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup salsa
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking up clumps as it cooks, for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease off the meat and set aside the cooked beef.
- To the pan, add the onions and cook, stirring regularly for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Return the ground beef to the pan and add in the taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
- Then, add in the tomato sauce, salsa, beef stock, water, and rice. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat then add in the whole kernel corn.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, checking and stirring regularly to make sure the rice isn't sticking.
- Top with cheddar cheese and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Add bell peppers or jalapenos for more flavor.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 551Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 1871mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 41g
Joanie Snyder
Should the corn be drained on the Mexican cheesy beef and rice?
Katie Hale
Yes - drain before adding into the mixture.
Madison
I had to add another cup of water and cooked for an additional 20+ minutes. Yummy when it was done though!
Audrey
Can you make the Mexican rice before adding it to the meat mixture?
Katie Hale
You can, but the flavor is best when cooked together the spices/salsa are mixed in with the meat. It imparts more flavor this way.
Crystal
Had to add an extra 2 cups of water and cook twice as long to get the rice done.
Katie Hale
I am sorry you had to adjust the recipe. It worked perfectly as listed for me, but I will take the time to test again to verify and update if needed.
Amber
I’ve made this 2 times both with substitutions. My fam loves it! Thank you for an easy week night dinner
Trinity
Pretty good other than the rice being hard. I’d recommend adding more water or something so that the rice is soft. I added some paprika and chili powder to give it more flavour and it worked wonderfully.