Hamburger Mexican Skillet is a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly one-skillet meal the whole family will enjoy. It combines lean ground beef, taco-flavored rice, pinto beans, cheese, olives, diced tomatoes, and a crunchy chili-lime tortilla strip topping for a satisfying Mexican-inspired dinner.
You loved my Country Hamburger Skillet Dinner recipe and asked for more easy hamburger meals, so here’s another simple skillet supper that stretches a pound of ground beef into a hearty, tasty dinner.
When my household was crowded and budgets were tight, I relied on quick recipes that made a little go a long way. I still love creating simple, filling meals that come together fast and taste great — this skillet does exactly that.
This Hamburger Mexican Skillet is made in one pan, full of bold flavors, and on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want minimal prep and maximal taste.
How To Make Hamburger Mexican Skillet Dinner
In a large skillet with a lid, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound lean ground beef and 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes. Brown the beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Do not drain the skillet — the juices add flavor and help cook the rice mixture.
Stir in one 5.4 oz package of taco-flavored rice mix. Add 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 7–10 minutes until most (but not all) of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the lid and stir in 1 cup rinsed and drained pinto or black beans. If your beans are plain, add 1/4 cup salsa so the mixture stays flavorful and saucy. Cover and cook another 5 minutes, or until the remaining liquid is absorbed.
Once the liquids are absorbed, remove the lid and sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese over the top. Cover briefly until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
Sprinkle about 2 cups of chili-lime flavored tortilla strips around the skillet’s edge for crunch. Garnish with sliced olives, diced tomatoes, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and a drizzle of salsa verde to brighten the dish.
This skillet tastes like tacos in a single pan — hearty, savory, and ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser; plan to double the recipe for larger families because people will want seconds.
For sides, try crispy cheese quesadillas and a simple lettuce-and-tomato salad with a cilantro dressing to keep the Mexican theme. This skillet pairs well with fresh lime and extra salsa on the side.
Other Favorite Mexican Main Dish Recipes for your Nest
- Easy Instant Pot Pork Chili Verde
- Easy Fish Tacos with Amazing Taco Sauce
- Instant Pot Beef Fajitas
- Slow Cooker Copy Cat Cafe Rio Chicken
- Easy Tamale Casserole
- Mexican Ground Beef Lasagna
I hope your family and your budget love this recipe. Happy nesting!
Hamburger Mexican Skillet Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon dried onion flakes
- 1 package (5.4 oz) taco-flavored rice mix
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup pinto or black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup salsa (use if beans are plain)
- 1 1/2 cups grated cheese
- 2 cups chili-lime tortilla strips
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sliced olives
- 1 Roma tomato, diced (seeds removed)
- 1 Tablespoon chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges and salsa verde for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil. Brown the ground beef with dried onion flakes, breaking the meat into pieces.
- Do not drain the skillet; leave the flavorful juices.
- Stir in the taco rice mix, then add 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook 7–10 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the lid and stir in the rinsed beans and 1/4 cup salsa if using. Cover and cook until the remaining liquid is absorbed.
- Uncover, sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the mixture, and cover until the cheese melts.
- Sprinkle tortilla strips around the edge of the skillet. Garnish with sour cream, sliced olives, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and a drizzle of salsa verde. Serve hot.