3 Delicious (and Simple) Mexican Skillet Dinner Recipes You’ll Want to Prepare Everyday

Feeling hungry?

Mmm… We’re in the mood for an easy Mexican skillet dinner. What about you? What’s your preference: beef, chicken, or vegetarian? We’ll share all three.

If you’re starting as a home chef or enjoy adapting new recipes, our Mexican skillet dinner recipes should get you started on your “south of the border” cooking journey.

1. Mexican Beef Skillet Dinner

This simple yet delicious recipe that we’ve adapted slightly is our starting point. So get out your skillet!

Ingredients

You’ll find these ingredients in your kitchen or nearby supermarket. But don’t hesitate to substitute what’s on hand. And adjust ingredient amounts as appropriate.

• Vegetable oil

• Garlic, one or two cloves

• Yellow onion

• Bell pepper

• Ground beef

• Mexican spice blend (your choice)

• Tomato sauce as desired

• Poblano or jalapeno peppers, depending on your heat preference

• Black beans (small can)

• Pre-cooked brown rice

• Shredded cheese: cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.

Instructions:

Step One:

1. Cook the vegetables.
2. Partially sauté the pepper, garlic, and onion in olive oil.
3. Move them to one side.

Step Two: Add the beef. Sauté until it’s fully cooked and then mix everything.

Step Three:

1. Add the other ingredients to the pan and bring to a boil.
2. Turn the burner to low and cover the pan.
3. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, adding the rice about halfway through.

Feel free to adapt by using other meats like turkey or pork, your preferred spice blends, or other veggies, such as corn, zucchini, or yellow squash. Serve with lime juice, cilantro, and sour cream blend.

If you want more inspiration, look at recipeworkbook.com for Mexican cookbook recommendations.

2. Mexican Chicken Skillet Dinner

This Chicken Burrito Skillet is every bit as yummy and easy to make as the one above. Your friends and family will love it!

Ingredients

• Two tablespoons vegetable oil
• One pound uncooked boneless skinless chicken breasts, in bite-sized pieces
• A half-cup chopped yellow onion
• Two tablespoons of your preferred Mexican spice blend
• One can (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
• One can (10 oz each) or freshly diced equivalent tomatoes and green chilies
• One cup of water
• One and a quarter cups pre-cooked brown rice
• One cup shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
• Chopped cilantro, optional

Instructions

Step One:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook for three minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add onion and taco seasoning; cook two minutes longer.
4. Stir in black beans, tomatoes, and water.
5. Bring to a boil.

Step Two: 

1. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer seven to ten minutes, stirring in the rice about halfway through.
2. Stir in a half-cup cup the cheese.
3. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, along with cilantro (if desired).

Substitute ingredients according to your taste.

3. Mexican Skillet Dinners: Vegetarian

Make vegetarian versions of either of the preceding recipes by leaving out the meat. But instead of having just a Mexican rice skillet dinner, use black beans or pinto beans instead. Either has lots of protein and fiber.

Cheese adds another protein source, but vegans can find easy substitutions. For instance, use tofu instead of cheese or high-protein grains (like quinoa) for some pr all the rice. Add lots of veggies!

Tasty Meals in No Time

The Mexican skillet dinner recipes and adaptations we’ve discussed here are for home chefs at all skill levels. We hope they build the foundation for exploring new flavors from the array of Mexican recipes.

If you enjoy Mexican cuisine, there’s a lot out there to try!

Thank you for visiting our food enthusiast site. Check out more of our recipes and cooking advice. And be sure to watch for new recipes to enchant your palate.