There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pan meal, especially when it’s as hearty and flavorful as this Southwestern Skillet. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of the American Southwest, this dish is a delicious fusion of ground beef, rice, and an array of spices, all cooked together in one pan for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup! I first encountered this dish on a road trip through New Mexico and was instantly hooked by its robust flavors and satisfying textures. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, a perfect comfort food for those chilly evenings. One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to play around with the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For instance, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Or toss in some jalapenos or chipotle peppers if you like it extra spicy. Don’t forget the garnish – a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top adds a lovely creaminess that balances out the heat. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to cook, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this Southwestern Skillet recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 c. minced onion
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can tomatoes, chopped
- 3/4 c. Minute rice
- 3 Tbsp. chopped green pepper
- 1/2 c. sliced stuffed olives
- 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 c. water
- 1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
Cooking Method
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion.
- Drain fat. Stir in undrained tomatoes, uncooked rice, green pepper, olives, chili powder, garlic salt, salt and water.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Top with cheese.
- Cover and heat for about 3 minutes or until cheese melts.
Calorie: 600
Total cooking time: 30 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Great Southwestern Skillet Showdown
Let me tell you about the time I decided to whip up a Southwestern Skillet. It was a Tuesday, not that it matters, but you know, setting the scene and all that.
The Gathering of the Ingredients
There I was, standing amidst the hustle and bustle of the grocery store, armed with my list: 1 lb. ground beef, 1/2 c. minced onion, 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can tomatoes, 3/4 c. Minute rice, 3 Tbsp. chopped green pepper, 1/2 c. sliced stuffed olives, 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder, 1/2 tsp. garlic salt, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1 c. water, 1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese.
I felt like a treasure hunter on a mission, darting between aisles, dodging rogue shopping carts and unruly kids. Ground beef, onion, tomatoes – check, check, check. I swear, the olives were playing hide and seek with me, but I finally tracked them down in aisle 9, next to a perplexed man arguing with a jar of pickles.
The Battle of the Skillet
Back home, armed with my skillet and ingredients, things were about to get serious. I tossed in the ground beef and onion, humming a tune, only mildly panicked at the sizzling sounds. Drained the fat, feeling like a seasoned pro.
Next, I stirred in the undrained tomatoes, uncooked rice, the elusive green pepper, those hide-and-seek champion olives, chili powder, garlic salt, salt, and water. I admit, I felt like a mad scientist, concocting a potion. I brought the mixture to a boil, then reduced the heat. The kitchen was beginning to smell like a foodie’s dream.
The Simmering Suspense
I covered the skillet and let it simmer for 20 minutes, sneaking a peek now and then. It was like waiting for a pot to boil, but with more at stake. I might’ve paced a little, checked my email, paced some more.
I stirred occasionally, trying to look nonchalant, like I simmer stuff in skillets all the time. No big deal. Meanwhile, a tiny voice in my head was chanting, “Please don’t burn, please don’t burn.”
The Cheesy Finale
Finally, it was time for the grand finale – the Cheddar cheese. I sprinkled it on top, covered the skillet, and waited for about 3 minutes. It felt like the longest 3 minutes of my life. I could’ve watched an entire commercial break in that time.
But when I lifted the lid and saw that perfectly melted cheese, it was like the skies opened up and a choir of angels started singing. Okay, maybe that’s a tad dramatic, but you get the idea.
The Aftermath
So there you have it, my Southwestern Skillet saga. It was a whirlwind of ground beef, onion, tomatoes, rice, green pepper, olives, chili powder, garlic salt, salt, water, and Cheddar cheese. But in the end, it was all worth it. Especially when I took that first delicious bite, and didn’t set off the smoke detector. That’s what I call a win.
And the moral of this story? Cooking doesn’t always have to be a chore. Sometimes, it’s a hilarious comedy of errors that ends in a cheesy, delicious meal. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some skillet to devour.
