Cheesy Taco Skillet with Rice Recipe

This Cheesy Taco Skillet with Rice is the ultimate one-pan dinner that combines the flavors of a classic taco with the comfort of hearty rice and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish is packed with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a blend of gooey cheeses, all infused with bold Mexican-inspired spices.

Not only is this recipe incredibly easy to make, but it also satisfies all the cravings for a cheesy, savory, and slightly spicy meal. The best part? It comes together in a single skillet, saving you from a sink full of dishes. Let’s dive into this irresistible dinner recipe that will soon become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
2. Crowd-Pleaser: Combines the flavors of tacos and cheesy comfort food.
3. Customizable: Easily adapt to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
4. Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
5. Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil if needed.
2. Brown the Meat: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
3. Drain Excess Grease: If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it to keep the dish from becoming too oily.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasoning

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and softened.
2. Season: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to coat the meat evenly.

Step 3: Add Rice and Liquids

1. Incorporate Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
2. Pour in Liquids: Add diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and broth. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer

1. Bring to a Boil: Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Reduce Heat and Cover: Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet with a lid.
3. Cook the Rice: Let the mixture simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Optional Ingredients

1. Incorporate Corn and Beans: If using frozen corn and black beans, stir them in once the rice is fully cooked. Heat for 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or any toppings you like.
2. Plate and Enjoy: Serve hot, either on its own or with tortilla chips, sour cream, or avocado slices.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Skillet: A large, heavy-bottomed skillet with a lid ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
2. Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use a fresh taco seasoning blend or make your own.
3. Monitor the Rice: Stir occasionally during cooking to avoid sticking, but don’t lift the lid too often to maintain heat and steam.
4. Adjust Spices: Customize the heat level by adding cayenne pepper or using a spicier taco seasoning.
5. Cheese Choice: Experiment with different cheeses like Pepper Jack or a Mexican blend for added flavor.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with crumbled tofu, lentils, or additional beans.
2. Chicken Taco Skillet: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken.
3. Spicy Version: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce.
4. Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
5. Tex-Mex Style: Top with crushed tortilla chips or Fritos for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

• With Tortilla Chips: Scoop up the skillet mixture with crispy tortilla chips for a nacho-like experience.
• Over Lettuce: Turn it into a taco salad by serving over shredded lettuce with your favorite toppings.
• In Tortillas: Use the mixture as a filling for burritos, tacos, or quesadillas.
• With a Side of Guacamole: The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the cheesy, spicy flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust the broth and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the recipe up to the point of adding cheese. Refrigerate, then reheat and melt the cheese just before serving.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are ideal, but any melty cheese like Colby or queso fresco works well.

Can I make this dish spicy?

For more heat, add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Taco Skillet with Rice is the ultimate combination of bold flavors, comforting textures, and simple preparation. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, this recipe delivers every time. With its versatility and crowd-pleasing taste, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

So, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy this flavorful, cheesy, and hearty meal in no time!

Yield: 4-6

Cheesy Taco Skillet with Rice Recipe

Print

This Cheesy Taco Skillet with Rice is the ultimate one-pan dinner that combines the flavors of a classic taco with the comfort of hearty rice and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish is packed with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a blend of gooey cheeses, all infused with bold Mexican-inspired spices.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
• 1 3/4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Drain any excess grease and return the meat to the skillet.

2. Add Aromatics

1. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Season and Build the Base

1. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and stir to coat evenly.
2. Add the uncooked rice, broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), black beans, and corn. Stir to combine.

4. Cook the Rice

1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
2. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Add the Cheese

1. Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the skillet.
2. Cover and let the cheese melt (about 2-3 minutes).

6. Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from heat.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro, if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Protein Options: Swap the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat for a lighter alternative.
• Rice Options: White rice cooks quicker, but brown rice adds more fiber and a nuttier flavor. Adjust cook time as needed for brown rice.
• Toppings: Add sour cream, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.