The February edition of the Fit Foodie Cooking Club is here, and this month’s featured recipe is Mexican Beef Skillet — a simple, comforting meal that comes together quickly and is perfect for family dinners or game-day gatherings.
Challenge closed!
Congratulations to Kristen and Heather for winning January’s Fit Foodie Cooking Club challenge! Thank you to everyone who joined in and shared your delicious homemade dishes.
What is the Fit Foodie Cooking Club?
The Fit Foodie Cooking Club is a monthly cooking challenge designed to bring our virtual community together by encouraging everyone to cook the same recipe from scratch. It’s a fun way to learn, share, and celebrate real, home-cooked food.
February 2021 – The Details
Please read these details carefully so your entry counts. If you have questions, leave them in the comments below the recipe post.
Recipe of the Month
February’s recipe of the month is a crowd-pleaser from Fit Foodie Finds — our Mexican Beef Skillet. This one-pan meal blends seasoned ground beef, beans, quick-cooking rice, vegetables, and cheese for a hearty dinner that’s ready in under 40 minutes.
This skillet recipe is naturally gluten-free, protein-packed (about 27g per serving), kid-friendly, and makes great leftovers. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or feeding a group with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Mexican Beef Skillet you’ll want to have these main ingredients on hand:
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Yellow onion
- Large bell peppers
- Ground beef
- Homemade or store-bought taco seasoning
- Tomato sauce
- Green chiles
- Black beans
- Quick-cooking brown or white rice (instant rice)
- Beef broth
- Mexican shredded cheddar cheese
Tools You’ll Need
This is a true one-pan recipe, so the tool list is short:
Large skillet or Dutch oven: Use a skillet with medium depth or a Dutch oven for even cooking.
Measuring cups and spoons: Have a set of measuring cups and spoons ready to ensure accurate liquid and spice amounts.
Cooking utensil: A wooden spoon or heatproof spatula works well for stirring and scraping the pan.
Recipe Tips
- Use instant rice: This recipe is formulated for instant (minute/quick-cooking) rice. Regular long-grain or short-grain rice requires different liquid ratios and a different cook time, so stick with instant rice for reliable results.
- Make or use good taco seasoning: Homemade taco seasoning brings fresh flavor, but a store-bought packet works in a pinch. Adjust seasoning to taste if you prefer a milder or spicier dish.
- Customize the veggies: Swap or add vegetables such as red onion, different colored bell peppers, jalapeños for extra heat, or other beans like pinto for variety.
- Swap proteins if desired: Ground chicken, turkey, or a plant-based ground alternative are all suitable substitutes. If the meat is lean, use a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking while sautéing.
- Simmer low and slow: After bringing the skillet to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed—this usually takes around 15–25 minutes depending on your stove and pan.
- Finish with cheese and toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet at the end and let it melt before serving. Fresh toppings like diced avocado, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or sour cream add brightness.
How to Enter
Ready to share your version? Here’s how to submit your entry for the Fit Foodie Cooking Club challenge.
- Prepare the Mexican Beef Skillet and take a clear photo of your finished dish.
- Leave a comment with your photo on the Mexican Beef Skillet blog post. Tell us how the recipe went, share any tweaks you made, and include your name and email in the comment form so we can contact winners. A star rating is appreciated but not required.
Join the Fit Foodie Cooking Club on Facebook!
Connect with fellow members by joining our Fit Foodie Facebook Group. Share photos, swap tips, and find inspiration from others cooking the same monthly recipe.
Important Dates
Monday, February 1, 2021 – First day to submit an entry.
Tuesday, February 23, 2021 – Last day to submit your photo and comment.
Wednesday, February 24, 2021 – Winners will be randomly selected and announced in this blog post and on social media.
The Prize
Two participants will each win a $100 Target gift card. Winners will be chosen at random from eligible comments received between February 1 and February 23, 2021, and announced on Wednesday, February 24, 2021.
Charity of the Month
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
Each month, we select a charity to support. For February 2021, we’ve chosen the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA). We will match the giveaway total to donate $400 to support research, advocacy, and patient resources for those affected by ovarian cancer.
We selected OCRA in honor of Lee’s mother-in-law, an ovarian cancer survivor. OCRA funds research, advocates for patients, and provides support to families facing this disease.
Donate
If you’d like to support this month’s charity, please consider donating directly to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. Any contribution helps further research and patient support services.