Southwestern Skillet
Experience the bold flavors of the Southwest with this hearty skillet dish, featuring ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and a melty Cheddar topping. Perfect for a family dinner, this one-pan meal is not only satisfying but also quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion.
- Drain fat. Stir in undrained tomatoes, uncooked rice, green pepper, olives, chili powder, garlic salt, salt, and water.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Top with cheese.
- Cover and heat for about 3 minutes or until cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like cumin or paprika. If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. To make it vegetarian, substitute the meat with black beans or lentils. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for any substitutions. If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Sour Cream Meat Loaf or can be enjoyed on its own. For a fun twist, try serving it in taco shells or over tortilla chips as a nacho-style dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Skillet contains roughly 233 calories, with 7g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2666mg per serving (116% 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 Minute rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and increase the water to about 1 3/4 cups since brown rice takes longer to cook. Allow about 40-45 minutes for it to simmer and become tender.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the simmering stage and let it cool before storing in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat and add the cheese on top to melt. This makes it perfect for meal prep or gatherings.
What can I do if I don't have green peppers?
If green peppers are unavailable, you can replace them with diced bell peppers of any color, or even use zucchini or corn for a different but tasty flavor. Adjust the quantity to your liking, as these alternatives will also add a nice texture.
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).