This mouthwatering cowboy beef and rice skillet is a fiesta of flavors in every bite. A symphony of textures and tastes combines tender ground beef, fluffy rice, tangy tomatoes, and creamy beans with a dash of spices like garlic, cumin, paprika, and cheese. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just one pot to wash up afterwards! This is the kind of satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. It’s also a great way to feed a crowd without breaking a sweat.
This cowboy beef and rice skillet is a true south-of-the-border masterpiece, perfect for cowboys and non-cowboys alike. And with its ease of preparation, you’ll be riding off into the sunset in no time.
If this recipe has you hooked, you might also enjoy other one-pot wonders like taco mac ‘n cheese, spinach and red bean shakshuka, or gouda and cream cheese corn. Don’t forget to try our cowboy beans and sliders for a real taste sensation.
Why You’ll Love It
This hearty skillet cowboy rice casserole is a satisfying dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or community events. Its rich flavor profile stems from the harmonious blend of meat, rice, tomatoes, beans, cheese, and bold seasonings, reminiscent of the flavors found south of the border. The beauty of this one-pot recipe lies in its simplicity – with only one pan to worry about and ingredients added at different stages, it’s a breeze to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy home cooks or those new to cooking.
How to Make Skillet Cowboy Rice Casserole
To prepare this hearty beef dish, start by cooking the beef in olive oil until it’s no longer pink. If excess grease forms, be sure to drain it off. Next, add a blend of seasonings – including chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt – stirring well to combine. From there, bring in the remaining ingredients: broth, rice, diced tomatoes, Rotel, beans, and corn. As you stir, bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes, adding more water as needed to maintain the desired consistency. Once the rice is cooked through, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Stir in half of the total cheese, followed by a sprinkle of the remaining cheese on top. Allow the cheese to melt, then serve hot and enjoy.
Substitutions and Variations
When looking to substitute beef in this dish, consider alternative options like ground pork or turkey. These can be seamlessly incorporated into the recipe with minimal adjustments. To tailor the flavor to your liking, simply adjust the spice level by omitting the chili powder for a milder taste or increasing it for a spicier result. Additionally, you’re not limited to just using white rice – explore other grains like quinoa or pearl barley to add some variety and texture to your meal.
How to Store This Beef Skillet
When it comes to storing and reheating this recipe, you have several options. To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you prefer to freeze your dish, you can do so for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheating is also straightforward, whether you choose to use the microwave or a pan on the stove.
Top Tips
Optimize your cooking process by taking two crucial steps. Firstly, consider draining off any excess fat from the ground beef if you’re using anything less than lean. This ensures a cleaner finish for your dish. Next, select a heavy-bottomed pan with high sides and a tight-fitting lid to prevent excessive liquid evaporation during the rice cooking phase. To achieve perfect results, let the sauce simmer gently before leaving it to cook under the lid.
Cowboy Beef Skillet Recipe FAQs
This Tex-Mex recipe is perfect for families with kids, but if you’re planning to serve it to children, consider omitting the chili powder and sneaking in some finely chopped veggies. For a vegetarian version, simply substitute ground beef with your preferred plant-based ingredient, such as sautéed vegetables, canned beans, or vegetable protein. When it comes to toppings, get creative! Try adding sliced avocado, sour cream, pickled jalapeño slices, and cilantro before serving or offer them on the side so everyone can customize their own dish.
Cowboy Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Cowboy Beef and Rice Skillet
Bella Bucchiotti shares a recipe for a south of the border inspired cowboy beef and rice skillet that’s perfect for a hearty dinner. This one-pot wonder requires minimal prep time, cooking time, and serves six people – making it an excellent option for cowboys and non-cowboys alike. With just 10 minutes of prep time, 35 minutes of cook time, and a total time of 45 minutes, this dish is ready to satisfy your cravings in no time.
Instructions
In a large sauté pan, cook the beef to medium-well doneness. Next, add the olive oil, onion, and garlic, then continue cooking for approximately 4 minutes. The aromatic trio will caramelize beautifully, releasing their savory flavors into the dish. With the onions and garlic cooked to your liking, stir in a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. This trifecta of spices will imbue the dish with a deep, rich flavor profile. Following the spice addition, introduce the broth, rice, diced tomatoes, Rotel, beans, and corn. Allow the liquid to come to a simmer before covering the pan with its lid and reducing the heat to medium-low. Set your timer for 20 minutes, during which you’ll need to periodically check on the dish’s progress. After 15 minutes, verify that the rice isn’t too dry; if necessary, add a small amount of broth or water to prevent it from becoming too crunchy. Replace the lid and permit the mixture to cook undisturbed for an additional 5-10 minutes. Once the timer expires, remove the pan from the heat source and carefully stir in half of the cheese. Top the dish with the remaining cheese before allowing the cheese to melt by virtue of its proximity to the residual heat. Finally, serve your creation as is or customize it with your favorite toppings.
Notes
To achieve optimal results in this recipe, start by draining any excess fat from the ground beef before proceeding to add additional ingredients to the skillet. This step is particularly important if you’re not using leaner cuts of meat, as the excess grease can impact the overall quality of the dish.
When selecting a pan for cooking the rice, opt for one with sturdy construction and high sides. A tight-fitting lid is also crucial, as it allows the liquid to simmer gently without evaporating excessively during the cooking process. This ensures that your rice turns out perfectly cooked and fluffy.
To guarantee the best results, allow the sauce to simmer at a gentle pace before leaving the lid on as the rice cooks. By following these simple steps, you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously prepared dish.