Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet Recipe

This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is the ultimate one-pan dinner that’s packed with bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and gooey, melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines the comfort of a classic taco with the satisfying heartiness of a rice skillet. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s a go-to meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and maximum flavor in a single skillet.
2. Family-Friendly: A meal everyone at the table will enjoy.
3. Customizable: Perfect for adding your favorite toppings or ingredients.
4. Leftover-Friendly: Tastes just as good reheated for lunch the next day.

How to Make Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
3. Drain excess grease if necessary and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Seasonings

1. Sprinkle the taco seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper over the vegetables. Stir to combine.
2. Add the uncooked rice and stir well to coat the grains in the spices.

Step 4: Incorporate Liquids and Main Ingredients

1. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
3. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5: Add Beans, Corn, and Meat

1. Stir in the black beans, frozen corn, and cooked ground beef.
2. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

1. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet.
2. Cover and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or your favorite toppings.
2. Serve hot, with a dollop of sour cream and tortilla chips on the side.

Serving Suggestions

1. Taco Night Alternative: Serve with flour tortillas for a taco-inspired wrap.
2. Salad Bowl: Spoon over a bed of lettuce and add salsa for a lighter option.
3. Crowd Pleaser: Serve alongside guacamole, pico de gallo, and extra tortilla chips for a complete taco feast.

Tips for the Perfect Taco Rice Skillet

1. Choose the Right Skillet: Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even cooking.
2. Adjust the Spice Level: Add more cayenne or a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
3. Don’t Skip the Lid: Keeping the skillet covered is essential for properly cooking the rice.
4. Layer the Cheese: For extra cheesiness, add half the cheese before covering and the rest as a final topping.

Recipe Variations

Protein Options

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: A leaner alternative to beef.
• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and double the beans or add diced zucchini for a plant-based version.
• Shrimp or Chicken Chunks: Sauté separately and mix in during Step 5.

Grain Alternatives

• Brown Rice: Adjust cooking time by 5–10 minutes and add extra liquid.
• Quinoa: Use the same liquid ratio but reduce the cooking time to 12–15 minutes.

Additional Add-Ins

• Jalapeños: For extra heat.
• Green Chiles: Add a smoky, tangy flavor.
• Sliced Olives: For a Mediterranean twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant rice?

Yes, instant rice works well. Adjust the cooking time accordingly—most instant rice will cook in about 5–7 minutes.

What’s the best way to prevent the rice from sticking?

Ensure you use a good non-stick skillet and stir the mixture occasionally while cooking.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based cheese alternative or skip the cheese entirely and garnish with avocado or extra salsa.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a delicious, fuss-free meal that combines the bold flavors of tacos with the comforting appeal of a cheesy rice dish. It’s versatile, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting taco night or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this skillet recipe is the perfect choice. Try it today and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is to devour!

Yield: 6

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet Recipe

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This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is the ultimate one-pan dinner that’s packed with bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and gooey, melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines the comfort of a classic taco with the satisfying heartiness of a rice skillet. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s a go-to meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, turkey, or chicken
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• Optional Toppings
• Sliced green onions
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sour cream
• Sliced avocado
• Salsa

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
3. Stir in the diced onion and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

2. Build the Skillet

1. Stir in the rice, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the meat mixture.
2. Add the broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning.
3. Mix everything well and bring to a boil.

3. Simmer and Cook

1. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Add the Cheese

1. Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the skillet.
2. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve and Garnish

1. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with optional toppings like green onions, cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream.
3. Serve warm with tortilla chips or as a filling for tacos or burritos.

Notes

Protein Alternatives: Swap the ground meat with shredded rotisserie chicken or make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding more beans.

Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Add Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be stirred in for added nutrition.