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Some dinners are all about comfort, flavor, and simplicity — this Mexican Beef and Rice One-Pot Meal checks every box. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with Tex-Mex flavor, all while coming together in just one pot for easy cleanup. Plus, you can swap the beef for ground turkey to make it even lighter and just as delicious.
👉 Try it with my One-Pot Mexican Quinoa or Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole next!
This Mexican Beef and Rice One-Pot Meal is a quick, family-friendly dinner made with ground beef (or ground turkey), rice, beans, salsa, and melted cheese. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and ready in about 35 minutes with minimal cleanup.
💰This recipe is part of 5 Cheap but Delicious Fall Dinners Under $10 meal plan.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Beef and Rice One-Pot Meal
This is one of those recipes I turn to when I want something fast but filling. Everything cooks together in the same pot, which means fewer dishes and more flavor as the rice soaks up all the spices and salsa. My kids love it with a little sour cream on top, and I love that it’s flexible — you can use ground beef or ground turkey and still get the same satisfying result.
Table of Contents
- Step-by-Step Recipe Video
- What You’ll Need for Mexican Beef and Rice One-Pot Meal (Key Ingredients)
- Ingredients List
- How to Make Mexican Beef and Rice One-Pot Meal
- Mexican Beef and Rice One-Pot Meal Variations
- Tips & Tricks for Mexican Beef and Rice One-Pot Meal
- Recipe FAQs – Mexican Beef and Rice One-Pot Meal
- Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Popular One-Pot Recipes
- Mexican Beef and Rice One – Pot Meal Recipe
Recipe at a Glance
⏰ Total Time: 35 minutes
🍂 Perfect For: Weeknight dinners or meal prep
🛒 Key Ingredients: Ground beef (or turkey), rice, salsa, cheese
🍽️ Servings: 5
🥄 Skill Level: Easy
🧊 Storage: Fridge- and freezer-friendly
👉 Try it with my Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole or 15 Cozy Slow Cooker Soups next!
Made With Love,
Step-by-Step Recipe Video
What You’ll Need for Mexican Beef and Rice One-Pot Meal (Key Ingredients)
- Ground beef or turkey – beef brings richness, turkey keeps it lighter — both work beautifully.
- Onion – adds flavor and depth to the base.
- Minute brown rice – quick-cooking rice that saves time.
- Spices – cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt make this taste like a taco in a bowl.
- Chicken broth – keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Salsa – adds tang and spice.
- Corn and black beans – budget-friendly staples that make it hearty.
- Cherry tomatoes – stirred in at the end for freshness.
- Mexican cheese – melty, gooey topping to bring it all together.
👉 Want more one-pot meals? Try my Chicken Noodle Casserole.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 ½ cups minute instant brown rice
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup corn, drained
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup Mexican-style cheese
🔒 The printable recipe card below includes the full ingredient list and exact amounts — perfect for saving or printing for later.
How to Make Mexican Beef and Rice One-Pot Meal
Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground beef (or turkey) and onion. Break the meat apart as it cooks and cook through completely. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Stir in the rice, then add the cumin, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, chicken broth, salsa, corn, and black beans. Mix well.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.
Step 4: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cheese until the cheese melts.
Step 5: Serve warm with your favorite taco toppings.
Mexican Beef and Rice One-Pot Meal Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey to make it leaner.
- Use white rice instead of brown — just adjust cook time.
- Stir in bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Top with avocado slices, jalapeños, or sour cream for more flavor.
👉 More easy Casseroles? Try my easiest chicken casseroles.
My Pro TipS
Tips & Tricks for Mexican Beef and Rice One-Pot Meal
- Use a large pot so nothing sticks as the rice cooks.
- Stir occasionally to keep the rice from clumping.
- If the rice absorbs too much liquid, add an extra splash of broth.
- This reheats beautifully — perfect for lunches the next day.
Recipe FAQs – Mexican Beef and Rice One-Pot Meal
Yes! Ground turkey makes this dish leaner but still flavorful.
Minute brown rice is fastest, but white rice works too — just extend cook time a bit.
Yes, let it cool, portion into freezer bags, and freeze up to 2 months.
Absolutely — use hot salsa, add cayenne, or stir in fresh jalapeños.
👉 Try my Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili if you love cozy, slightly spicy dinners.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth if needed.
👉 For more freezer-friendly dinners, see my 15 Cozy Slow Cooker Soups.
Popular One-Pot Recipes
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Mexican Beef and Rice One – Pot Meal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 ½ cups minute instant brown rice
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup corn, drained
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup Mexican style cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) and onion until browned. Drain grease.
- Stir in rice, spices, broth, salsa, corn, and beans. Mix well.
- Cover and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cheese until melted.
- Serve warm with taco toppings.
Video
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey to make it lighter.
- Store leftovers in fridge up to 3–4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Could you use knorr rice sides instead of minute rice?
I made this for my fam last night…it was DELICIOUS!! They were so excited to have something different tasty! ❤️
Do you think I can substitute quinoa for the rice in this meal?