Skillet Fiesta

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mexican

A flavorful skillet dish combining seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and rice, perfect for a hearty, quick meal that appeals to spice lovers and family dinners alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 Tbsp. oil
  • 1/4 c. onion, diced
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 16 oz. canned tomatoes
  • 12 oz. canned corn
  • 1 1/2 c. boiling water
  • 1 beef bouillon cube
  • 1/2 c. diced green pepper

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet; add diced onion and cook until softened.
  2. Add the canned tomatoes, corn, green pepper, salt, pepper, and other ingredients except rice.
  3. Bring to a boil and cook until the green pepper is tender.
  4. Add the rice and boiling water, then add the beef bouillon cube.
  5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Tips & Substitutions

For a quicker prep, use pre-cooked rice or substitute with quinoa. You can also swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based protein for a lighter option. Enhance flavor by adding spices like cumin or chili powder. If you prefer more heat, consider adding diced jalapeños. This dish is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Skillet Fiesta with a side of Mexican Corn Bread Bake for a comforting meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for added creaminess. Fresh cilantro or lime wedges can brighten the dish. This recipe is hearty enough to stand alone, but also pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or tortilla chips for crunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, then microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it cools completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, where it can last up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Skillet Fiesta contains roughly 1704 calories, with 30g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 133g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2878mg per serving (125% of the Daily Value).

1704 kcal 85% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 29.6g 59% DV
Total Fat 133.1g 100% DV
Carbs 102.4g 37% DV
Fiber 6.5g 23% DV
Sugar 2.2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2877.8mg 100% DV
Potassium 547.6mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 60.4mg 20% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 23.6mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 26.3mg 29% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 51.1mg 4% DV
Iron 5.9mg 33% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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 frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen corn and diced peppers are great substitutes and can save prep time. Just add them directly to the skillet; they will cook through as the dish simmers. Using frozen veggies also locks in freshness, making it a convenient option without sacrificing flavor.

What can I substitute for the beef bouillon cube?

You can substitute the beef bouillon cube with vegetable broth or homemade beef stock for a richer flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use vegetable bouillon, which will still provide a savory depth to your dish without the meat.

How can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?

To adjust spiciness, you can add more or fewer spices like chili powder, or include diced jalapeños for extra heat. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of black pepper or omit spicy ingredients altogether. Taste as you go to achieve your preferred level of heat.

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).

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