This ground beef salsa rice is a delicious mix of those satisfying Tex Mex flavors we can't get enough of. This easy recipe is a complete meal you can throw together in one pan. The whole family will ask for this one-skillet dinner again and again and your taco Tuesday will never be the same.
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We love two things at my house: Mexican flavors and an easy dinner recipe. So when the two come together, like this ground beef salsa rice, we know we have a winning recipe for busy weeknights.
The name of this dish just about says it all--savory ground beef and rice cooked in a flavorful tomato salsa. You can think of this meal as a cheesy ground beef Spanish rice or maybe a taco rice. Whatever you call it, the entire family is going to gobble it up, even those picky eaters!
It's hard to believe that a dish with a few simple ingredients can taste so good! If you think this recipe sounds delicious try my Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet next!
Ingredient notes
This is an overview. Please scroll to the bottom of the post for exact amounts and printable recipe card.
Ground beef - I like using a lean ground beef so there's less grease to drain off. Ground turkey and ground chicken can also be used.
Taco seasoning - a packet of taco seasoning keeps this simple and easy. I always have my homemade taco seasoning made up and used that.
Onions and garlic - I always choose yellow onions and fresh garlic cloves.
Corn - I used frozen corn, but fresh cut corn from the cob or canned corn also works.
Jar of salsa - keeps this recipe easy and quick to make. I like chunky Pace because it has some nice green bell pepper and tomato pieces. You should choose one you know you like since some of the flavor will come from the salsa. If you like Rotel, you can use that too. Canned fire-roasted tomatoes, diced tomatoes, or even tomato sauce can be used as well.
Beef broth - low sodium works best for this recipe especially if you're using packaged taco mix, which has a good amount of salt. You could use chicken broth if you want a lighter taste.
Rice - I used uncooked long grain white rice. I have not tested this with brown rice, so if you use it, you'll need to adjust the cooking time as it will need longer. You could make it separately or use some leftover rice. You will just stir it in, let it simmer for 5 minutes then top with cheese.
Cheddar Cheese - or a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack,
Optional toppings - sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped fresh cilantro, jalapeños, pico de gallo, sliced black olives, sliced avocado or guacamole. Corn chips like Fritos are also really good. You can serve some tortilla chips on the side.
Directions
1) Add a little oil or cooking spray to a large (12 inch) non-stick skillet. Brown ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain off fat if desired.
2) Reduce to medium heat. Add taco seasoning to cooked beef and stir into the meat until combined. Add the chopped onions, garlic, unthawed corn, salsa, and beef broth to the meat mixture. Stir until combined.
3) Bring mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add uncooked rice. Stir well. Reduce heat to low or simmer and cover pan with a tight fitting lid. Cook for 20 minutes or until rice is tender. Turn off heat, top with shredded cheese and serve when cheese is melted. Top with desired garnishes.
Tips
Be sure you have a large non-stick skillet with a lid for best results.
Serve with your favorite taco toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and sliced avocado.
Spread some refried beans on heated burrito sized flour tortillas and add the ground beef salsa rice and roll up. Serve with hot sauce.
Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans instead of corn.
Try jasmine rice for added flavor.
How to store
Store tightly covered or in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Reheat covered in the microwave at reduced power to prevent the rice from drying out.
Freeze in freezer safe containers or freezer bags for a month or two. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave.
More easy one pan recipes
- Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Pasta Copycat
- Turkey Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy
- Baked Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole
- American Chop Suey
📖 Recipe
Ground Beef Salsa Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon oil or cooking spray
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 pkg taco seasoning
- ¼ cup onion chopped
- 2 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 cup frozen corn canned
- 16 oz salsa chunky
- 2 cups beef broth low sodium
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
Optional toppings:
- sour cream, black olives, shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, guacamole
Instructions
- Add a little oil or cooking spray to a large (12 inch) non-stick skillet. Brown ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain off fat if desired.
- Reduce to medium heat. Add taco seasoning to cooked beef and stir into the meat until combined. Add the chopped onions, garlic, unthawed corn, salsa, and beef broth to the meat mixture. Stir until combined.
- Bring mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add uncooked rice. Stir well. Reduce heat to low and cover with a tight fitting lid. Cook for 20 minutes. Turn off heat, top with shredded cheese.
- Once cheese has melted, serve with toppings of choice.
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