Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Tex-Mex Hamburger Rice Skillet
If you’re looking for a quick, family-friendly meal that’s bursting with flavor, you’re in the right place! Here are a few reasons why this One-Pot Tex-Mex Hamburger Rice Skillet will become a favorite in your home:
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Perfect for Beginners: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, even novice cooks can master this recipe.
- Ideal for the Whole Family: Packed with flavors and textures, kids and adults alike will enjoy digging into this comforting dish.
- Economical: Made with affordable ingredients, this skillet meal is budget-friendly and great for feeding a crowd.
This isn’t just another skillet meal; it’s a delightful way to bring the taste of Tex-Mex right to your dinner table.
The Necessary Ingredients
Getting started on your One-Pot Tex-Mex Hamburger Rice Skillet is simple! Here is what you will need:
- 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced (or ¾ tsp garlic powder)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chiles (10–14.5 oz)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups hot low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed & drained (optional)
- 1½–2 tbsp taco seasoning (to taste)
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if beef is very lean)
- 1½–2 cups sharp cheddar or Mexican blend, freshly shredded
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients
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Ground Beef: The beef provides a hearty protein base. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re aiming for a vegan version, consider using lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
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Rice: Long-grain white rice cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. If you want to use brown rice, just remember that it will take longer to cook, about 45 minutes, and you may need to adjust the amount of broth.
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Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky flavor. If you can’t find them, regular diced tomatoes work well, but you might want to add a pinch of smoked paprika for that extra depth.
How to Prepare the One-Pot Tex-Mex Hamburger Rice Skillet Step by Step
Ready to cook? Follow these easy steps to make your Tex-Mex Hamburger Rice Skillet:
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Heat the Skillet: Begin by heating a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re using lean beef, add a tablespoon of olive oil. This helps in browning the meat and prevents it from sticking to the skillet.
- Pro Tip: Always preheat your skillet to ensure a good sear on the beef, which enhances its flavor.
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Brown the Beef and Onion: Add the ground beef and the finely diced yellow onion. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
- Pro Tip: Break up the beef into small chunks as it cooks for even browning.
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Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic (or garlic powder) and cook for another 30 seconds. This step allows the garlic to become fragrant, infusing the dish with its delicious aroma.
- Pro Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
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Season: Sprinkle the taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Stir for about 30 seconds to toast the spices, which helps to bring out their flavors.
- Pro Tip: Taste your taco seasoning beforehand. If it’s already salty, adjust the salt accordingly.
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Incorporate the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet. Toast it for 30–45 seconds, which enhances its nutty flavor and helps it absorb liquid better later on.
- Pro Tip: Always rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch, leading to fluffier results.
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Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and hot broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Pro Tip: Using hot broth helps the dish come to temperature faster, ensuring even cooking.
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Cover and Cook: Once simmering, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat, and let it cook undisturbed for 12 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook properly and absorb all the flavors.
- Pro Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking; it releases steam that’s essential for cooking the rice.
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Add Corn and Black Beans: After 12 minutes, stir in corn and black beans if you choose to use them. Cover and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Pro Tip: If using frozen corn, no need to thaw it beforehand; it will cook through in the skillet.
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Fluff and Add Cheese: Turn off the heat, and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Top with freshly shredded cheese and cover for 1–2 minutes to let it melt.
- Pro Tip: Using freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
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Garnish and Serve: Finish with chopped cilantro on top and serve with lime wedges on the side.
- Pro Tip: Squeezing fresh lime juice over the dish adds brightness and cuts through the richness.
Serving Suggestions
This One-Pot Tex-Mex Hamburger Rice Skillet is perfect for many occasions! Here are some ideas:
Perfect Pairings
- Drinks: Pair this meal with a chilled Mexican beer or a refreshing glass of limeade. For a healthy choice, serve with water infused with cucumbers and mint.
- Side Dishes: A simple side salad with avocado and cherry tomatoes complements the dish well, or try tortilla chips with homemade guacamole for a tasty crunch.
Occasions
- Weeknight Dinner: With a quick prep and cook time, it’s ideal for busy family evenings.
- Game Day: Serve it during game nights for a hearty crowd-pleaser.
Serving Tips
- Toppings: Encourage guests to customize their plates with toppings such as sour cream, diced avocado, or extra salsa for added flavor and texture.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your leftovers delicious, follow these simple storage tips:
Refrigerated
- Duration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
- Type of Container: Use glass or high-quality plastic containers to maintain freshness.
Freezed
- If Possible: You can freeze the cooked skillet meal for up to 2 months.
- Packaging: Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Defrosting: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
- Best Method: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture, or microwave in short intervals.
Guaranteed Success Tips
To ensure your One-Pot Tex-Mex Hamburger Rice Skillet turns out perfectly, here are some golden rules:
- Don’t Skip the Rinsing: Rinse your rice to remove excess starch and achieve a better texture.
- Monitor the Liquid: If the rice is too dry, add more broth as needed while cooking.
- Cook Undisturbed: Let the rice cook without stirring to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings gradually to suit your preference.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and produce enhance the flavors significantly.
Recipe Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- For a Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the pan when browning the beef for some heat.
- For a Vegan Version: Replace the beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth. Omit cheese or use a dairy-free cheese.
- For a Southwest Twist: Stir in diced bell peppers and zucchini for extra veggies and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: My skillet meal turned out too watery. What did I do wrong?
A: This can happen if too much liquid was added or if the cooking time was insufficient. Ensure to follow the measurements and allow the dish to simmer until the rice absorbs the liquid fully.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free and use rice that does not contain gluten.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost nutrition.
Q: Is it necessary to cover the skillet while cooking?
A: Yes, covering allows steam to circulate, which helps cook the rice evenly.
Q: What should I do if the rice is still undercooked?
A: If the rice is firm after the initial cooking time, simply add a little more broth, cover, and simmer until tender.
Q: Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain white rice?
A: If using instant rice, reduce the amount of broth and shorten the cooking time according to package directions.
Q: How can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Just assemble and cook when ready to serve.
Now that you’re equipped with all this information, gather your ingredients and get cooking! Your family will be thrilled with this delicious Tex-Mex treat. Enjoy!
One-Pot Tex-Mex Hamburger Rice Skillet
Ingredients Â
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean) Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced (or ¾ tsp garlic powder) Add for flavor.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, rinsed Can substitute with brown rice, adjust cooking time.
- 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chiles (10–14.5 oz) Regular diced tomatoes can be used.
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups hot low-sodium beef or chicken broth Using hot broth helps to cook faster.
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained) No need to thaw frozen corn.
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed & drained (optional) Can be omitted.
- 1½–2 tbsp taco seasoning (to taste)
- to taste Kosher salt & black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if beef is very lean) Helps prevent sticking.
- 1½–2 cups sharp cheddar or Mexican blend, freshly shredded Freshly shredded cheese melts better.
- to taste Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- as needed Lime wedges, for serving
InstructionsÂ
Preparation
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. If using lean beef, add olive oil.
- Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the mixture and stir to toast the spices.
- Add the rinsed rice and toast it for 30–45 seconds.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and hot broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover the skillet, reduce heat, and cook undisturbed for 12 minutes.
- After 12 minutes, stir in corn and black beans if using. Cook for an additional 5–7 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Top with cheese and cover for 1–2 minutes to melt.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.