Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1/2 cup onion (diced)
- 1 jalapeño (minced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
Dry and Canned Goods
- 1 cup extra long grain rice
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted corn (drained)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans (drained)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 2 cups Colby jack cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced jalapeño, cooking until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Ensure the beef is evenly cooked and no longer pink.
- Toast the rice: Push the cooked ground beef mixture to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the empty side. Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted and slightly golden, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: Stir the ground beef and toasted rice together. Pour in the low-sodium beef broth, then add the drained fire-roasted diced tomatoes, fire-roasted corn, black beans, tomato sauce, and all the spices: garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until evenly combined.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low or medium-low. Let cook undisturbed for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Check occasionally to ensure nothing is sticking; if needed, stir gently.
- Adjust seasoning and add cheese: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning to your preference. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded Colby jack cheese until melted and combined. Then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheese evenly on top.
- Melt cheese and serve: Cover the skillet again and let sit for 3-5 minutes off the heat to allow the cheese on top to melt. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the jalapeño quantity or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Use low-sodium canned goods and adjust salt as needed to control sodium intake.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- Fresh cilantro is optional but adds a fresh, herbal note to the finished dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican American