One Pan Taco Rice Recipe
One Pan Taco Rice is a simple, yet flavorful dish that brings together the classic flavors of tacos with the heartiness of rice. It’s made with seasoned ground beef or chicken, bell peppers, onions, and rice, all cooked together in one pan. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease and the ability to customize it to suit your personal preferences.
Imagine taco night but without the need to assemble individual tacos—just all the delicious flavors mixed together in a one-pan wonder that everyone can dig into.
The key to this dish is in the seasoning, which typically involves taco seasoning (whether homemade or store-bought), but you can easily swap in fresh herbs, salsas, or other seasonings to make it your own. The rice absorbs all of the flavors from the meat and seasonings, creating a rich, savory base.
Why Choose a One-Pan Meal?
One-pan meals have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and ease of cleanup. Here are some reasons why One Pan Taco Rice is a great choice for dinner:
- Minimal Cleanup: With just one pan, you avoid dealing with a ton of dishes. After enjoying the meal, all you’ll need to clean is a single skillet, making this dish a winner for busy weeknights.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is great for those who need to get dinner on the table fast. Once you have your ingredients ready, it takes just 30 minutes to make, so you can go from stovetop to plate without waiting long.
- Affordable and Versatile: Ground meat, rice, and taco seasoning are inexpensive ingredients. Plus, you can swap in whatever vegetables, protein, or seasonings you have on hand.
- One-Pot Meal: The rice is cooked directly in the skillet, absorbing the flavors from the meat and taco seasoning, which makes it extra delicious. No need for an extra pot to cook the rice separately.
- Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to meet your dietary needs—swap ground beef for chicken or turkey, use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version, or load it up with extra veggies.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to make One Pan Taco Rice:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients:
- Chop the vegetables: Dice the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, chop them as well.
- Measure the rice and broth.
- Mix the taco seasoning if you’re using homemade seasoning.
2. Cook the Meat
In a large skillet (preferably with a lid), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef (or your chosen protein). Cook the meat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until browned and cooked through.
- Tip: If you’re using ground turkey or chicken, be aware that these meats tend to release more liquid than beef. If this happens, drain any excess liquid before continuing with the recipe.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan with the cooked meat. Sauté everything together for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. This step helps develop the flavors and adds a fresh dimension to the dish.
4. Add the Rice and Seasoning
Stir in the rice and the taco seasoning mix. Let everything toast together in the pan for about 1-2 minutes. This step helps the rice absorb all the spices and flavors before the liquid is added.
5. Add the Liquids
Next, pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and green chilies (if using). Stir to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
6. Simmer and Cook the Rice
Once the mixture is simmering, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the dish cook for 20-25 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure the rice isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pan and the liquid isn’t evaporating too quickly. If necessary, add a splash of extra broth or water during the cooking process.
- Pro Tip: If you’re using brown rice, you may need to increase the cooking time to 30-35 minutes to allow it to fully cook. You may also need a little more liquid.
7. Fluff and Serve
Once the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid and for the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
Variations of One Pan Taco Rice
The beauty of One Pan Taco Rice is that it’s a highly customizable dish. Depending on your preferences or dietary needs, you can switch out ingredients or add new ones to give the dish a fresh twist. Here are some ideas to experiment with:
1. Vegetarian One Pan Taco Rice
Skip the meat entirely and use black beans, pinto beans, or lentils as the protein. You can also add extra veggies like corn, zucchini, or spinach for a more filling dish. To enhance the flavor, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
2. Low-Carb Taco Rice
For a low-carb version, swap regular rice for cauliflower rice. This substitution reduces the carbs and adds more fiber while maintaining the flavor and texture of the dish. Just note that cauliflower rice cooks much faster, so keep an eye on it.
3. Chicken Taco Rice
Swap the ground beef for ground chicken or shredded chicken. If you’re using leftover chicken, simply add it towards the end of cooking, as it will only need to warm through.
4. Spicy Taco Rice
For a spicy version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, add chopped jalapeños, or use a spicier taco seasoning. You can also stir in hot sauce or chili paste to kick up the heat.
5. Add More Veggies
Incorporate more vegetables like corn, spinach, or mushrooms to make the dish even heartier and more nutritious. You can sauté the veggies with the meat and onions for an extra boost of flavor.
6. Cheesy Taco Rice
For a cheesy version, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend cheese just before serving. You can also top the entire dish with cheese and let it melt under the broiler for a few minutes.
Meal Prep and Leftover Tips
One Pan Taco Rice is a perfect candidate for meal prep. Here’s how to make it in advance:
- Make-Ahead: You can cook this dish and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth or water to loosen up the rice.
- Freezing: If you want to make a bigger batch, One Pan Taco Rice can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat it through on the stovetop.
Pairing Ideas
One Pan Taco Rice pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:
1. Side Dishes
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime.
- Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy tortilla chips.
- Refried Beans: A smooth, comforting side dish made with pinto beans, often flavored with garlic and cumin.
2. Toppings and Condiments
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime over the dish adds a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a creamy contrast to the spiciness.
- Salsa: Either fresh pico de gallo or store-bought salsa can add a fresh, tangy element.
One Pan Taco Rice is more than just a meal—it’s a versatile, customizable, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or just cooking for yourself, this recipe has everything you need to create a flavorful, satisfying meal in one pan. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and convenience, with endless options for making it your own.
How to Elevate the Flavor of One Pan Taco Rice
The beauty of One Pan Taco Rice lies in its simplicity, but sometimes a little extra effort in the flavor department can take this dish to the next level. Here are a few tips and tricks to elevate the overall taste and presentation:
1. Toast the Rice
Before adding the taco seasoning, toast the rice in the skillet with a bit of olive oil for a few minutes. This helps to enhance the nutty flavor of the rice and gives it a more complex taste. When the rice begins to lightly brown, that’s your signal to move on to the next step!
2. Layer in More Flavor
While the taco seasoning is key, don’t be afraid to add extra layers of flavor. Here are some additional ingredients that can amp up the profile:
- Smoked paprika: A great addition to add depth and a subtle smokiness.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a fresh burst of flavor and works really well with taco seasoning. Add it towards the end of cooking or sprinkle on top right before serving.
- Lime juice: A squeeze of lime just before serving will brighten up the entire dish. This acidity cuts through the richness and balances the spices.
- Chipotle powder or adobo sauce: If you enjoy a smoky, spicy kick, try adding some chipotle powder or a spoonful of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo. It gives a smoky depth and heat that will surprise your taste buds.
3. Add a Crunchy Element
Textures make a huge difference in the overall experience of a dish. To balance the softness of the rice and meat, consider adding a crunchy topping such as:
- Tortilla strips: Crush a handful of tortilla chips over the top right before serving. You can even make your own tortilla strips by baking or frying small pieces of corn tortillas.
- Chopped lettuce: Add fresh, shredded lettuce on top to bring in some crunch and freshness.
- Jalapeños: Sliced fresh jalapeños can add both crunch and spice, making each bite a little more interesting.
More Customization Ideas for One Pan Taco Rice
The flexibility of this dish is what makes it so appealing. Depending on your preferences or dietary restrictions, there are many ways you can customize One Pan Taco Rice. Here are a few ideas to get creative with your meal:
1. For a Smokier Flavor
If you love smoky, charred flavors, consider:
- Grilling or broiling the meat: Instead of cooking the ground beef or chicken directly in the pan, you can grill or broil it to add that wonderful char. After grilling, chop it up and add it to the rice mixture.
- Roasted poblano peppers: Roast poblano peppers (or any other mild chili) and chop them up to add extra flavor and a smoky heat. Poblano peppers are a great alternative to bell peppers because they’re a little more flavorful and not as sweet.
2. For Extra Protein
Need a protein boost? Here are a few ways to increase the protein content:
- Black beans or kidney beans: Stir in a can of black beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas for extra plant-based protein. You can throw them in right after the rice and broth, letting them heat up as the dish simmers.
- Shredded chicken: If you prefer a leaner protein, swap out the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken. This is a great shortcut to cut down on cooking time and add even more flavor.
3. Make it Creamy
For a creamy, indulgent version, you can stir in some cheese or cream at the end:
- Cream cheese: For a rich, creamy texture, stir in a few spoonfuls of cream cheese once the rice is cooked. This will make the dish smoother and create a comforting texture.
- Mexican crema or sour cream: Add a spoonful of Mexican crema or sour cream at the end, which will add a cooling effect and a creamy element to balance the heat from the spices.
- Shredded cheese: Top with some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese and let it melt over the rice, or stir it in at the end for a cheesy version of taco rice.
4. For Low-Carb Options
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can easily modify this recipe:
- Cauliflower rice: Swap out regular rice for cauliflower rice to significantly reduce the carb count. Just be sure to cook the cauliflower rice on medium heat for a few minutes to remove excess moisture before adding the taco seasonings.
- Zucchini noodles (zoodles): If you want something even lighter, you can serve the taco mixture over zucchini noodles. Simply sauté the zucchini noodles lightly before serving, and top with your taco mixture for a fresh, low-carb meal.
Meal Prep Tips for One Pan Taco Rice
One Pan Taco Rice is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated quickly. Here are some useful meal prep tips to help you get the most out of this dish:
1. Batch Cooking
You can easily scale this recipe to make a larger batch for meal prep. Simply double the ingredients, cook in a larger pan, and store individual portions in airtight containers. This meal is great for lunch throughout the week or as a quick dinner option.
2. Storage:
- Fridge: Once cooked, store the One Pan Taco Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen up the rice if needed.
- Freezer: If you want to make a larger batch, you can freeze the One Pan Taco Rice. Let it cool completely, then divide it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly.
3. Serve with Sides for Complete Meals:
You can prep sides along with the taco rice to create a full meal. Consider adding:
- Guacamole or salsa as a dip on the side.
- A side salad with greens, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette will balance the richness of the taco rice.
- Baked tortilla chips or crispy tacos are great if you want to enjoy some crunch along with the soft, comforting rice.
How to Make One Pan Taco Rice Vegan or Vegetarian
If you want to adapt this recipe for a vegan or vegetarian diet, here are some simple swaps to make One Pan Taco Rice plant-based without losing any of the flavor:
1. Swap the Protein:
Instead of ground beef or chicken, use:
- Plant-based crumbles (like Impossible or Beyond Meat).
- Black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas as a hearty, protein-packed substitute.
- Lentils: These work particularly well in tacos and can be cooked along with the rice. They absorb flavors nicely and are high in protein and fiber.
2. Use Vegetable Broth:
Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the dish fully vegetarian or vegan. This will keep the flavor profile intact.
3. Skip the Dairy:
If you’re going fully vegan, skip the cheese, sour cream, and crema. You can add extra flavor with avocado slices or a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
4. Vegan Cheese:
If you’d like some cheesy flavor, there are plenty of dairy-free cheese options available. Look for brands that melt well, like vegan cheddar or mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
One Pan Taco Rice is a hearty and filling dish, but if you’d like to pair it with something to round out the meal, here are some options that complement the dish perfectly:
1. Sides
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): This smoky, cheesy corn is the perfect accompaniment to taco rice. You can either grill the corn on the cob and top it with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime or simply serve it with corn kernels tossed in the same seasonings.
- Refried Beans: A side of creamy refried beans can help add richness and texture to your meal.
- Guacamole & Chips: Nothing goes better with tacos (or taco rice) than some fresh, creamy guacamole and crunchy tortilla chips.
2. Salads
- Cabbage Slaw: A simple cabbage slaw with lime and cilantro brings a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm taco rice.
- Mexican Salad: Combine shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, and a tangy lime dressing for a refreshing side salad.
3. Beverages
Pair your taco rice with a cold, refreshing beverage:
- Iced tea: A nice sweetened iced tea can balance out the spiciness of the dish.
- A light beer: If you’re in the mood for something alcoholic, a crisp lager or a Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo would go wonderfully.
- Lemonade: If you want something non-alcoholic, a zesty lemonade adds the perfect refreshing touch.
Final Thoughts
One Pan Taco Rice is more than just a quick meal; it’s a recipe that is full of flavor, easy to make, and offers endless ways to personalize. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or get creative with vegetables, protein choices, or seasonings, this dish is designed to fit your taste and lifestyle.
One Pan Taco Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if needed for browning)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional, but adds color and flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2-3 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional but adds sweetness and texture)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sour cream (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef:
Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add olive oil (if using), then add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. - Sauté the veggies:
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pan with the beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. - Season and add rice:
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir to coat evenly, then add the uncooked rice. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the seasoning and rice. - Add liquids and cook:
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir well, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Check after 15 minutes and add more broth or water if needed. - Add corn (optional):
About 5 minutes before the rice is done, stir in the frozen corn (if using) so it can heat through. - Finish and serve:
Once the rice is fully cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover the pan for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- Ground meat options:
While ground beef is traditional, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork for different variations. If you want a vegetarian version, try using black beans or a meat substitute like lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP). - Rice:
You can swap out the white rice for brown rice, but if you do, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook (about 40-45 minutes), so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount. For even quicker cooking, try using instant rice (but follow the instructions on the package since the cook time will be shorter). - Taco seasoning:
Store-bought taco seasoning is convenient, but you can make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne. If you like it spicier, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. - Add-ins and substitutions:
You can mix in any extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or diced tomatoes. If you want to bulk it up with more fiber, add black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans. For extra flavor, a squeeze of lime or a handful of chopped green onions right before serving takes this dish to the next level. - Make it cheesy:
The cheese is optional but definitely delicious! You can use cheddar, Mexican blend, or even a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese for a different twist. If you want it extra cheesy, stir in some cheese when the rice is almost done cooking, then top with more before serving. - Serving suggestions:
This one-pan taco rice is great on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of guacamole, salsa, or tortilla chips. If you want more freshness, a quick side salad with avocado and lime would complement the meal perfectly.