Texas Beef Skillet
A hearty and flavorful skillet dish combining ground beef, tomatoes, beans, rice, and spices, topped with melted cheese and crunchy corn chips. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that appeals to comfort food lovers and families seeking a smoky, spicy flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can red kidney beans
- 1/2 cup quick cooking rice
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded American cheese ⓘ
- corn chips, crushed ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender.
- Drain off the fat.
- Stir in the undrained tomatoes, red kidney beans, quick cooking rice, water, chopped green pepper, chili powder, salt, and garlic salt.
- Reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Top with shredded American cheese and cover; heat about 3 minutes or until the cheese melts.
- Sprinkle crushed corn chips around the edge before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. If you don’t have red kidney beans, black beans work well as a substitute. Using leftover roast beef or shredded chicken in place of ground beef can also add a unique flavor. This dish can easily be customized with your favorite seasonings or topped with fresh cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Texas Beef Skillet with a side of warm cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also pair it with crushed corn chips for added crunch. This dish works great as a filling for tacos or burritos, and it pairs beautifully with Easy Mexican Dip for an appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish in short intervals, stirring in between, until the desired temperature is reached.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Beef Skillet contains roughly 254 calories, with 7g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1019mg per serving (44% 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 quick cooking rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires more water and a longer cooking time, so you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes of simmering and increase the water accordingly.
What can I substitute for American cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, cheddar or Monterey Jack are excellent alternatives that will melt nicely. For a healthier option, try using a reduced-fat cheese or a dairy-free cheese if you're following a specific diet.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of adding cheese and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply heat it on the stove until warmed through, then add cheese and allow it to melt before serving.
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).