If you love the flavors of tacos and cheesy comfort food, this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner! Made in just one pan, this dish combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, melty cheese, and classic Tex-Mex flavors for a satisfying and effortless meal.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a quick and easy dinner, this flavor-packed skillet meal is ready in under 30 minutes—no extra dishes, no fuss! Plus, it’s customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making this hearty and cheesy taco-inspired skillet!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes, more flavor!
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
✔️ Cheesy & Flavorful – Perfectly seasoned with melted cheese.
✔️ Family-Friendly – A meal that both kids and adults will love!
✔️ Customizable – Make it spicy, add extra veggies, or swap proteins.
Ingredients (in grams)
For the Skillet:
- 500g ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 150g uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 small onion, diced (100g)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (120g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (10g)
- 400g canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 250ml beef broth (or water)
- 150g canned black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 120g frozen corn (optional but recommended for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
For the Taco Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (5g)
- ½ teaspoon cumin (2g)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (2g)
- ½ teaspoon oregano (2g)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (2g)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (2g)
- ½ teaspoon salt (2g)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1g)
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 200g shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
Toppings (Optional, but Recommended):
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado
- Sliced jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips for crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Beef & Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onions and bell pepper, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Season & Add Rice
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to coat the beef evenly.
- Add the uncooked rice, stirring well to toast it slightly (1-2 minutes).
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with juices and beef broth.
- Stir in the black beans and corn (if using).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Add Cheese & Serve
- Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the skillet.
- Cover for 2 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve hot!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Taco Rice Skillet
✔️ Use the Right Rice – Long-grain white rice works best. If using brown rice, increase the cooking time by 10 minutes.
✔️ Customize the Spice Level – Add cayenne pepper, extra chili powder, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick!
✔️ Don’t Skip the Cheese – It adds a creamy, melty texture that makes this dish irresistible.
✔️ Make It Healthier – Swap white rice for cauliflower rice or use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
✔️ Double the Batch – This dish is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Creative Variations
🌯 Taco Rice Burrito – Wrap the cheesy taco rice in a large tortilla with lettuce, salsa, and guacamole for a delicious burrito.
🥗 Low-Carb Option – Swap white rice for cauliflower rice to make a keto-friendly version.
🍳 Breakfast Taco Rice – Top leftovers with a fried egg for a delicious breakfast twist!
🥔 Cheesy Taco Rice Stuffed Peppers – Stuff bell peppers with the taco rice mixture, bake, and enjoy.
🥑 Avocado Lime Upgrade – Stir in fresh avocado chunks and a squeeze of lime juice for extra freshness.
Best Sides to Serve with Taco Rice Skillet
🍞 Warm Flour Tortillas – Great for scooping up all that cheesy goodness.
🥗 Mexican Street Corn Salad – A fresh, tangy side dish.
🥑 Guacamole & Salsa – Adds an extra layer of flavor.
🥣 Black Bean Soup – A hearty, protein-packed side.
🌽 Grilled Corn on the Cob – Brushed with butter and chili powder.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is everything you love about tacos—bold, cheesy, and satisfying—but in an easy, one-pan meal! It’s quick, delicious, and endlessly customizable, making it a perfect go-to recipe for busy nights.
Try it today and enjoy a flavor-packed, better-than-takeout meal in just 30 minutes! 🌮🧀🍚
Leave a Reply