Imagine a dinner that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico, bursting with bold flavors and prepared in just one pan - no complicated cleanup required! This One Pan Spicy Mexican Rice Skillet is your ticket to a mouthwatering meal that combines convenience, nutrition, and explosive taste in less than 40 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for an easy weeknight dinner, or someone craving authentic Mexican-inspired cuisine, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup of long-grain rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: long-grain rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn kernels, taco seasoning, chicken broth, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up for about a minute.
- Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the skillet. Stir the rice in the oil for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent and starts to toast.
- Once the rice is toasted, add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the rice.
- Next, add the drained and rinsed black beans and corn kernels to the skillet. Mix everything together evenly.
- Sprinkle the tablespoon of taco seasoning over the mixture. Stir to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the rice and vegetable mixture.
- Pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, check the rice for doneness. If the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, remove the skillet from heat. If not, cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Once done, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the spicy Mexican rice skillet warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Rice Toasting Technique: Always toast your rice in oil before adding liquid. This crucial step enhances the nutty flavor and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
- Broth Matters: Use high-quality chicken broth for deeper flavor. If you're vegetarian, vegetable broth works perfectly.
- Seasoning Secrets: For extra depth, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper alongside the taco seasoning.
- Liquid Absorption: Resist the urge to lift the lid while simmering. This helps the rice cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Garnish Game: Fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime can elevate this dish from great to extraordinary.
- Protein Boost: Feel free to add shredded chicken, ground beef, or plant-based protein to make this a complete one-pan meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
