If you’re searching for a comforting, all-in-one meal that packs a punch of bold flavors yet is incredibly simple to prepare, this Chili Rice Skillet Meal Recipe is going to become your new go-to dinner. Imagine tender ground beef infused with a carefully balanced blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika, simmered alongside hearty chili beans, juicy tomatoes, and fluffy rice—all melted together under a blanket of gooey cheddar cheese. It’s a one-pan dish that feels cozy, satisfying, and makes cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a warm, satisfying meal, this skillet recipe combines convenience and taste like no other.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things straightforward and wholesome, the ingredients here are essential to creating that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in your skillet. Each element plays a distinct role, whether it’s the spices that bring warmth, the beans that add heartiness, or the cheese that delivers that luscious, melty finish.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides rich, savory protein and the perfect base for the chili flavors to infuse.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens in the skillet.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Brings aromatic warmth that enhances every other ingredient.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: The star spice that anchors this dish’s signature chili taste.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and heightens all the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild heat that complements the chili powder.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor for extra savoriness.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Introduces earthy, warm undertones essential for authentic chili.
- 1 (15.5 oz) can chili beans, undrained: Adds creaminess, protein, and a hearty texture.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings juicy freshness and acidity to brighten the dish.
- 1 ½ cups beef broth: Infuses deep, meaty flavor and helps cook the rice perfectly.
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce: Adds richness and thickens the sauce slightly.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed: Absorbs all the flavorful liquids and rounds out the meal.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Provides the irresistible creamy, melty topping that ties it all together.
- Optional toppings – jalapeños, sour cream, hot sauce: Customize with a spicy kick or cool creaminess to your taste.
How to Make Chili Rice Skillet Meal Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Season
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is nicely browned and the onions have softened. This is the moment where the flavors start developing, so don’t rush! Next, sprinkle in the salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and cumin, and stir well to coat every bit of the meat. Once the beef is cooked through and seasoned perfectly, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients
To the seasoned beef mixture, stir in the minced garlic for that fragrant burst, followed by chili beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato sauce, and importantly, the rinsed rice. The rice is crucial because it soaks up all those robust flavors and liquid, making every grain a delightful mouthful. Make sure everything is mixed evenly so the rice can cook uniformly.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Turn the heat up just enough to bring your skillet mixture to a boil. Then, reduce it to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This slow simmer is where the magic happens—the rice absorbs the savory broth, and the flavors meld beautifully. Avoid lifting the lid too often so the rice cooks evenly and stays fluffy.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Once the rice is tender and has soaked up the flavors, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese liberally over the top. To get that perfect melt, you can either place the skillet under a preheated oven’s broiler for a few minutes or simply cover it on the stovetop and let the residual heat melt the cheese. The gooey, cheesy layer adds that irresistible, creamy texture that makes this Chili Rice Skillet Meal Recipe truly special.
Step 5: Serve Hot with Toppings
At this point, your skillet is bursting with savory goodness, ready to dive into. Serve it straight from the pan with your choice of optional toppings—jalapeños for spice, sour cream for cool creaminess, and a splash of hot sauce if you want to turn up the heat. Each topping adds a personal touch to this already wonderful meal.
How to Serve Chili Rice Skillet Meal Recipe
Garnishes
Taking this dish to the next level is all about the garnishes. Fresh jalapeño slices add a sharp, invigorating heat, while a dollop of sour cream cools the palate creating a contrasting sensation that’s utterly satisfying. Don’t forget a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce if you love that extra fiery kick—it brings out the chili flavors even more vividly.
Side Dishes
Despite being a filling one-pan meal, pairing your chili rice skillet with simple sides can complement it beautifully. A crisp garden salad or some buttery cornbread are perfect companions, cutting through the richness without overshadowing the dish. Roasted vegetables or steamed greens also add freshness and color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chili Rice Skillet Meal Recipe family-style right from the pan on a rustic wooden board—great for casual get-togethers. Alternatively, scoop servings into warm tortilla bowls or stuff into bell peppers for a vibrant presentation. Even layering it into a burrito or stuffing it in baked potatoes turns this skillet meal into exciting new forms!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chili Rice Skillet Meal Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and keep chilled. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
If you want to save this meal for longer, freezing is an option. Cool the skillet mixture completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to two months. Just note that cheese topping is best added fresh after reheating to maintain its melty texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it feels dry to restore moisture. You can also microwave individual servings covered loosely to trap steam. For the cheese topping, sprinkle fresh cheddar over the hot dish after reheating and let it melt before serving to recapture that indulgent finish.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that will still absorb the spices nicely. Just be mindful it cooks slightly faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Is it necessary to rinse the rice?
Yes, rinsing the rice removes excess starch and helps prevent the dish from becoming gummy, ensuring fluffy, separate grains after cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or more beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the hearty texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
While the spices create the signature flavor, you can experiment with what you have. A mix of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder will cover the basics. The dish will still be tasty, so no need to stress!
Can I cook this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning and seasoning the beef and onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cheese towards the end to melt before serving.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Chili Rice Skillet Meal Recipe will not only satisfy your hunger but also warm your heart with its rich, comforting flavors and ease of preparation. It’s a versatile meal that feels like a cozy hug on a plate and is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So grab your skillet, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a delicious, home-cooked feast that everyone will rave about.
Print
Chili Rice Skillet Meal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Chili Rice Skillet Meal combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices simmered with rice to create a flavorful one-pan dish. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and optional spicy garnishes, this easy, comforting meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that serves six.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 (15.5 oz) can chili beans, undrained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Jalapeños
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Season: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef together with the chopped onion. Add salt, black pepper, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and ground cumin to season. Once browned, drain off any excess grease.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the minced garlic, undrained diced tomatoes, undrained chili beans, beef broth, tomato sauce, and the rinsed long-grain white rice. Mix everything well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Place the skillet in the oven briefly to melt the cheese, or alternatively, cover the skillet and allow the residual heat on the stovetop to melt the cheese.
- Serve: Dish out the chili rice skillet hot and top with your favorite optional toppings such as jalapeños, sour cream, and hot sauce for added flavor and spice.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to reduce sodium content.
- If you don’t have cheddar cheese, a Mexican blend works well too.
- Rinsing the rice helps to remove excess starch so it cooks more evenly.
- Covering the skillet tightly while simmering ensures the rice cooks through properly.
