Mexicali Skillet
A hearty skillet dish featuring seasoned rice, beans, tomatoes, and smoky sausage, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying Mexican-inspired meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chili peppers ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 2/3 c. long grain rice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 (5 oz.) pkg. small smoked sausage links or 16 cocktail frankfurters ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 10-inch skillet, cook the chopped onion in cooking oil until tender, but not brown.
- Cut up the tomatoes from the can.
- Add undrained tomatoes, undrained pinto beans, diced green chili peppers, water, and uncooked rice to the skillet.
- Stir in chili powder and cook until the rice is tender and the flavors are combined.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavors, consider adding spices like cumin or paprika along with the chili powder. For a vegetarian option, substitute smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or skip it altogether. If you don't have pinto beans, black beans or kidney beans can work as well. For added texture, use brown rice instead of white, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mexicali Skillet topped with shredded Cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. It pairs beautifully with corn tortillas or a side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light Mexican-style corn salad or rice. Browse more Mexican recipes for additional sides and variations.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the skillet to keep the dish moist, or microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexicali Skillet contains roughly 990 calories, with 34g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (298% of the Daily Value), protein (68% of the Daily Value), and calcium (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1364mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook. It may also require a bit more water, so keep an eye on the moisture level as it cooks.
What can I use instead of diced green chili peppers?
If you don't have diced green chili peppers, you can substitute with jalapeños for heat or even bell peppers for a milder flavor. Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies can also work as a replacement.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Mexicali Skillet ahead of time. Cook it as directed, let it cool, and then store it in the refrigerator. To reheat, follow the storage instructions to ensure it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).