Beef and Corn Rice Skillet

Let me paint a picture for you of a typical Tuesday evening in my house: the day has been long, the kids are a whirlwind of energy and hunger, and the last thing I want is a complicated, multi-pot cooking marathon. For a long time, these nights ended with uninspired meals or last-minute takeout. That all changed when I perfected this Beef and Corn Rice Skillet recipe. The first time I made it, the aroma alone was enough to silence the “what’s for dinner?” chorus. The rich scent of seasoned beef, sweet corn, and savory spices filled the kitchen, promising something truly special. When I brought the vibrant, cheesy skillet to the table, my family’s eyes lit up. The verdict? Clean plates all around and a unanimous vote for it to be added to our weekly rotation. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a solution. It’s the answer to the weeknight dinner dilemma, a one-pan wonder that delivers a powerhouse of flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s comforting, satisfying, and so incredibly easy that it feels like a secret weapon in my cooking arsenal. Now, I’m sharing that secret with you.

Ingredients

This recipe relies on a pantry-friendly list of ingredients that come together to create a symphony of textures and flavors. Each component plays a crucial role, from the hearty beef to the sweet pop of corn.

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: The foundation for our sauté. A quality extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle, fruity note, but any neutral cooking oil like canola or avocado oil works perfectly. It’s just enough to get the browning process started without making the dish greasy.
• 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (90/10 or 85/15): The star of the show. Using lean ground beef ensures a rich, beefy flavor without excess grease. A 90/10 or 85/15 blend provides the perfect balance of flavor from the fat while still keeping the dish relatively lean.
• 1 large Yellow Onion, diced: The aromatic base. A yellow onion provides a sweet, mellow flavor once cooked down, forming an essential layer of taste that supports the entire dish.
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced: For sweetness and color. The red bell pepper adds a beautiful vibrancy and a gentle, sweet flavor that complements the corn and beef. You can use any color of bell pepper, but red tends to be the sweetest.
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced: An essential flavor booster. Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, savory kick that elevates the entire skillet. Don’t be tempted by the jarred kind if you can help it; the fresh flavor is unparalleled.
• 1 cup Uncooked Long-Grain White Rice: The hearty grain that brings it all together. Long-grain white rice is the best choice here as it cooks up fluffy and separate, absorbing the delicious broth and seasonings without becoming mushy. Be sure to rinse it first to remove excess starch.
• 1 (15-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained: For moisture and a touch of acidity. The tomatoes and their juice add liquid needed to cook the rice, along with a bright, acidic counterpoint to the rich beef.
• 2 cups Low-Sodium Beef Broth: The primary cooking liquid. Using a low-sodium broth is key, as it allows you to control the salt level of the final dish. The broth infuses the rice with a deep, savory, and beefy flavor.
• 1 (15-ounce) can Sweet Corn, drained (or 1 ½ cups frozen corn): For pops of sweetness and texture. Whether you use canned or frozen, the sweet corn provides a delightful textural contrast and bursts of sweetness in every bite.
• 1 tablespoon Chili Powder: For warm, smoky depth. This isn’t just for heat; a good chili powder blend adds a complex, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor that is central to the skillet’s profile.
• 1 teaspoon Cumin: For earthy warmth. Ground cumin adds a characteristic warm, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with beef and chili powder.
• ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika: For a touch of smoke. Smoked paprika deepens the smoky notes from the chili powder and adds a beautiful, rich color to the dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: The fundamental seasonings. Season as you go to build layers of flavor, and always taste at the end to make final adjustments.
• 1 ½ cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The glorious, cheesy finish. A sharp cheddar provides a tangy, savory flavor that melts into a delicious, gooey topping. Shredding your own cheese from a block will result in a smoother, better melt.
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro or Parsley, chopped (for garnish): For a fresh, vibrant finish. A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end cuts through the richness of the dish and adds a final pop of color and freshness.

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect one-pan meal. The key is to build layers of flavor at each stage, from browning the beef to simmering the rice in the seasoned broth.

1. Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics: Place a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s thoroughly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain off any excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan for flavor. Add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the pepper softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
2. Toast the Spices and Rice: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for about 1 minute. This step, known as “blooming” the spices, toasts them in the heat and fat, which deeply enhances their flavor and aroma.
3. Combine the Core Ingredients: Pour the rinsed, uncooked long-grain white rice into the skillet and stir for about a minute. This allows the rice grains to get lightly toasted and coated in the spices and beef fat, which helps them remain separate and absorb flavor more effectively.
4. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and the low-sodium beef broth. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is where a ton of flavor is hiding! Add the drained sweet corn and stir to combine.
5. Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 18-22 minutes. It is crucial not to lift the lid during this time. The trapped steam is what cooks the rice to perfection. After the time is up, turn off the heat and let the skillet sit, still covered, for another 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and absorb any remaining liquid, ensuring a fluffy texture.
6. Add the Cheese and Garnish: Remove the lid and fluff the rice and beef mixture with a fork. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Place the lid back on the skillet for 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, delicious blanket. Alternatively, for a slightly browned and bubbly cheese topping, you can place the oven-safe skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes (watch it very carefully to prevent burning).
7. Serve Immediately: Garnish the finished skillet with a generous sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve hot, directly from the skillet, for a rustic, family-style meal.

Nutrition Facts

While this is a hearty and comforting meal, it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients. The nutritional information is an approximation and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.

• Servings: 6
• Calories Per Serving: Approximately 480 kcal
• Protein (Approx. 28g): This dish is an excellent source of high-quality protein from the ground beef, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
• Carbohydrates (Approx. 45g): The rice and corn provide complex carbohydrates, which are your body’s primary source of energy, keeping you feeling full and fueled.
• Fiber (Approx. 5g): Sourced from the bell pepper, onion, corn, and tomatoes, fiber is crucial for digestive health and helps promote a feeling of fullness.
• Fat (Approx. 20g): The fat content, primarily from the beef and cheese, provides flavor and helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Using lean beef helps keep the saturated fat content in check.
• Sodium (Approx. 650mg): By using low-sodium beef broth and seasoning to taste, you have good control over the sodium level. This value can be reduced further by using no-salt-added canned tomatoes.

Preparation Time

This recipe is designed for efficiency, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes (dicing vegetables, measuring ingredients)
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes

From start to finish, you can have this delicious, complete meal on the table in under an hour, with the majority of that time being hands-off simmering.

How to Serve

Serving this Beef and Corn Rice Skillet is as fun and versatile as making it. You can present it simply or dress it up with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Straight from the Skillet: For a rustic, communal feel, place the hot skillet (on a trivet) in the center of the dinner table. This encourages family-style serving and keeps the food warm.
• Plated Perfection: Scoop generous portions onto individual plates or into wide, shallow bowls. This presentation looks beautiful and allows you to artfully arrange toppings for each person.
• Create a Toppings Bar: This is especially fun for families or when serving guests. Set out small bowls with a variety of garnishes so everyone can customize their own meal. Excellent topping choices include:
  • A dollop of cool sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • Diced fresh avocado or a scoop of guacamole
  • Finely chopped red onion or sliced green onions
  • Pickled or fresh sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick
  • Extra chopped cilantro
  • A squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten all the flavors
  • Crushed tortilla chips for a delightful crunch
  • Your favorite hot sauce
• Pair with Simple Sides: While this is a complete meal in one pan, a simple side can round it out perfectly.
  • A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
  • A side of warm cornbread or crusty bread for soaking up any extra juices.
  • Steamed or roasted green beans or broccoli.
• Creative Leftover Ideas:
  • Use leftovers as a filling for burritos or tacos the next day.
  • Stuff the mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.

Additional Tips

Take your Beef and Corn Rice Skillet from great to absolutely unforgettable with these eight professional tips and tricks.

1. Deglaze for Maximum Flavor: After browning the beef and sautéing the onions, you’ll notice browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This is called “fond,” and it’s pure flavor. When you add the beef broth, use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape these bits off the bottom. This process, called deglazing, incorporates all that concentrated flavor back into your dish.
2. Choose the Right Pan: A heavy-bottomed skillet, especially a well-seasoned cast-iron or a stainless steel one, is your best friend for this recipe. It distributes heat evenly, which is critical for cooking the rice properly and for achieving a great sear on the beef. Avoid thin, non-stick pans which can have hot spots and may not be broiler-safe.
3. Don’t Rush the Rice: The two most important rules for perfectly cooked skillet rice are: use a tight-fitting lid and DO NOT PEEK. Lifting the lid releases the steam that the rice needs to cook. Trust the timing in the recipe, and let it rest off the heat for 5-10 minutes after the cooking time is up. This final steam is what makes it fluffy.
4. The Magic of Freshly Shredded Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it’s often coated with anti-caking agents like potato starch, which can prevent it from melting smoothly and can give a slightly grainy texture. Taking two extra minutes to shred a block of sharp cheddar will reward you with a far superior, creamier, and gooier melt.
5. Spice It Up (Or Down): This recipe has a mild, family-friendly flavor profile. To increase the heat, add a finely diced jalapeño along with the onion, or sprinkle in ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the other spices. For a smokier kick, try adding a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
6. Sneak in More Veggies: This skillet is a fantastic canvas for adding more vegetables. Consider stirring in a cup of drained and rinsed black beans along with the corn. You could also add finely diced zucchini or mushrooms along with the bell pepper to boost the nutritional content without drastically changing the flavor profile.
7. Meal Prep for Speed: To make this recipe even faster on a busy night, do some prep ahead of time. You can chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also pre-measure your spices and keep them in a small container.
8. Reviving Leftovers Perfectly: To reheat leftovers without drying out the rice, add a splash of water or beef broth (about 1-2 tablespoons per serving) to the skillet or microwave-safe dish before heating. Cover and heat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. This re-steams the rice, bringing it back to its fluffy, delicious state.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making this Beef and Corn Rice Skillet.

1. Can I use a different type of rice, like brown rice or jasmine rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. For brown rice, you will need more liquid (about ½ cup extra broth) and a significantly longer simmering time (around 40-45 minutes). For jasmine rice, the cooking time is similar to long-grain white rice, but it may have a slightly softer texture and a more fragrant aroma. It’s best to avoid instant rice, as it will become mushy.

2. How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This dish is easily adaptable! For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with 1 ½ cups of cooked lentils, a can of black beans, or a plant-based ground “meat” product. You’ll also need to swap the beef broth for a rich vegetable broth. For a vegan version, follow the vegetarian substitutions and simply omit the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free ingredients. Rice, beef, vegetables, and most spices are gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check that your beef broth and any specific spice blends you use are labeled as gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

4. How do I properly store and for how long?
Allow the skillet to cool completely, then transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for lunches or another easy dinner.

5. Can I freeze this Beef and Corn Rice Skillet?
Absolutely! This is a great freezer meal. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe, airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to refresh the rice. Note that the texture of the rice may be slightly softer after freezing and thawing.

6. My rice came out crunchy or undercooked. What went wrong?
This usually happens for one of three reasons: 1) The heat was too high, causing the liquid to evaporate before the rice could absorb it. 2) The lid on your skillet wasn’t tight enough, allowing essential steam to escape. 3) You peeked! Lifting the lid during the simmering process is the most common culprit. Next time, ensure a low, steady simmer and a tight lid, and resist the urge to check on it until the time is up.

7. My skillet seems too watery after the cooking time. How can I fix it?
If you remove the lid and there’s still a visible layer of liquid, don’t worry! Simply remove the lid and continue to simmer on low-medium heat for another 3-5 minutes. Stirring occasionally will help the excess liquid evaporate, thickening the dish to the perfect consistency without overcooking the rice.

8. What other ground meats can I use besides beef?
This recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to the protein. Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent, leaner alternatives. For a different flavor profile, you could even use ground Italian sausage (mild or hot), which would add a delicious herby and savory note—just be sure to drain the fat well.