Taco Rice Skillet Recipe
Get ready to meet your next weeknight dinner hero: the Taco Rice Skillet. This one-pan wonder bursts with Tex-Mex flavor, has ooey-gooey cheese, and packs in plenty of protein and veggies. With tender rice, seasoned ground beef, black beans, and sweet corn all simmered together, every spoonful delivers pure comfort. Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and quick stovetop magic make it just as ideal for feeding a crowd as it is for a cozy night in. The Taco Rice Skillet is truly a game-changer that brings the fiesta right to your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Taco Rice Skillet is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role: building layers of flavor, adding pops of color, or turning this skillet into a meal-in-one that everyone will devour.
- Ground beef: Brings hearty, savory richness and soaks up the seasoning beautifully.
- Olive oil (if needed): For browning the meat, especially if your beef is very lean.
- Onion: Diced for base flavor and sweet, mellow undertones.
- Garlic: A must for that Tex-Mex aroma—fresh and vibrant.
- Taco seasoning (or homemade blend): The secret to that crowd-pleasing, zesty kick.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice: Absorbs all the flavors right in the pan, saving time and dishes.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Brings juicy texture and a little gentle heat—don’t drain!
- Beef broth: Infuses rich, savory depth and helps cook the rice perfectly.
- Black beans: For extra protein, creaminess, and fiber.
- Frozen corn: Pops of sweetness that balance the spices.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: The melty, irresistible finishing touch.
- Salt and pepper: The classic duo for dialing in just the right flavor.
- Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños (optional): Bright veggies to garnish your finished skillet with a flourish.
How to Make Taco Rice Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef (along with olive oil if your beef is on the lean side). As the beef cooks, crumble it up with a spoon or spatula, encouraging lots of little browned bits—they add tons of flavor. When the beef is cooked through and no pink remains, carefully drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
To the browned beef, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. These aromatics soften and turn fragrant after just a couple of minutes (about 2-3), building the flavor base for your Taco Rice Skillet. The kitchen will already smell amazing!
Step 3: Add Seasoning, Rice, Tomatoes, and Broth
Sprinkle in the packet of taco seasoning (or measure out your favorite homemade blend), then add the uncooked rice right to the pan. Pour in the can of undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, then follow up with the beef broth. Stir well so the rice sinks in, absorbing all the delicious flavors the skillet already has going.
Step 4: Simmer Until Rice is Tender
Raise the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil. Then drop the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. You want the rice to be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. Give it a quick peek and a gentle stir to check the progress at around 15 minutes—every stove and skillet is a little different!
Step 5: Add Black Beans and Corn
Once the rice is soft and fluffy, stir in the black beans and frozen corn. Let the Taco Rice Skillet cook for another 2-3 minutes so everything is heated through and the flavors marry even further. The pops of color from the beans and corn make the dish irresistible.
Step 6: Top With Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the skillet. Place the lid back on and give it another 2-3 minutes on low heat—just until the cheese melts to gooey perfection. For extra drama, feel free to broil it for a minute or two if your skillet is oven-safe.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove your Taco Rice Skillet from the heat. Finish with a scattering of fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if you’re feeling bold. Scoop generous portions onto plates or bowls, and watch everyone dive in.
How to Serve Taco Rice Skillet
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this dish from great to downright craveable! A sprinkle of chopped cilantro brings brightness, while jalapeño slices offer gentle heat. Cool it down with dollops of sour cream or creamy avocado, or add a crunchy handful of crushed tortilla chips for some extra fun and texture.
Side Dishes
While the Taco Rice Skillet is satisfying as a standalone meal, you can absolutely pair it for a little extra wow-factor. A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette, some chunky guacamole and chips, or smoky roasted veggies make perfect companions. Don’t forget a classic margarita or a simple agua fresca to round everything out!
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the usual scoop and serve! For a party, use the Taco Rice Skillet as a filling for stuffed bell peppers, burritos, or even taco shells. Try serving individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets for a restaurant-style feel or set up a build-your-own taco rice bar with an array of toppings for everyone to customize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Taco Rice Skillet stores beautifully in the fridge. Transfer fully cooled portions to airtight containers, where they’ll keep fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead or stock your freezer, this dish is your friend. Cool the cooked skillet completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual servings until steaming hot, stirring halfway through. For larger portions, gently warm in a covered skillet over medium-low, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep everything moist and delicious. Top with extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent!
FAQs
Can I make Taco Rice Skillet vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat, extra black beans, or crumbled firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meatless, flavorful twist.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, you can use brown rice; just keep in mind that it needs a longer cooking time (around 35-40 minutes) and may require a bit more broth. Check the texture and add liquid as needed until the rice is tender.
How spicy is this dish?
The Taco Rice Skillet has a flavorful, moderate spice, especially when using mild taco seasoning and regular diced tomatoes with green chilies. Want more heat? Up the ante with hot taco seasoning, extra jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.
What other proteins work well in this recipe?
Ground turkey or chicken are both fantastic stand-ins! You can also try chopped rotisserie chicken for a shortcut or even spicy chorizo for extra kick. Just adjust your cooking time as needed for leaner meats.
Can I prep Taco Rice Skillet ahead for a party?
Definitely! Assemble the dish through step 5, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop, add the cheese, melt, and garnish right before party time for a fresh, bubbly finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely bursting with flavor, the Taco Rice Skillet should be your next go-to. This one-pan wonder brings everyone to the table with smiles—give it a try and see why it earns rave reviews every single time!
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Taco Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Taco Rice Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that combines seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, corn, and cheese for a delicious Tex-Mex dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco spice blend)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños (optional)
Ground Beef Mixture:
Additional:
Garnish:
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Add onion and garlic.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in taco seasoning, rice, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer until rice is tender.
- Finish Dish: Mix in beans and corn. Top with cheese, cover, and melt. Garnish and serve.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Adjust cooking time and liquid if using brown rice.
- Great with sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
