The Taco Rice Skillet is the ultimate one-pan meal that combines the bold, savory flavors of tacos with hearty rice and melty cheese. Packed with seasoned ground beef, rice, and a delicious blend of spices, this dish comes together quickly and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Whether you serve it on its own or top it with sour cream and avocado, it’s a satisfying, comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Taco Rice Skillet brings all your favorite taco ingredients into one easy-to-make dish. The ground beef is perfectly seasoned with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and other spices, while the rice cooks in a flavorful broth and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Top it all off with melted cheese, fresh cilantro, and optional toppings like sour cream and avocado, and you’ve got a meal that’s both comforting and full of flavor. Plus, it’s made in just one pan, making clean-up a breeze!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 1 3/4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for serving, optional)
- 1/4 cup diced avocado (for serving, optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the Onion and Garlic: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the Spices: Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until the spices become fragrant.
- Add Rice, Broth, and Tomatoes: Stir in the uncooked rice, broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and black beans (if using). Mix well.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover with a lid for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream and diced avocado, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or use extra beans (like pinto or kidney beans) for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños to the skillet or increase the chili powder for a spicier kick.
- Rice Alternatives: Use quinoa or cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a gluten-free or lower-carb alternative to regular rice.
- Toppings: Feel free to top with other favorites like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or salsa for extra flavor and texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works great in this recipe and is a leaner alternative to ground beef.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be substituted for white rice, but it may require a bit more cooking time—around 25-30 minutes.
3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. Just store it in individual containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
5. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth is a great option if you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan version of this dish.
6. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more chili powder, or toss in some chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.
7. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses.
8. How do I know when the rice is cooked?
The rice should be tender, and the liquid should be fully absorbed. If there is any excess liquid, you can cook it uncovered for a few more minutes.
9. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
10. Can I skip the sour cream and avocado?
Yes, these toppings are optional. The dish is flavorful on its own, but they do add a nice creamy texture and freshness.
Conclusion
Taco Rice Skillet is the perfect quick and flavorful meal that combines the beloved flavors of tacos with the heartiness of rice and cheese. This one-pan dish is a breeze to make, yet it delivers a comforting, satisfying dinner. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or prepping for the week ahead, this Taco Rice Skillet is sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
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Taco Rice Skillet
This Taco Rice Skillet is a one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, rice, black beans, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish offers bold taco flavors in a comforting, hearty skillet meal. Topped with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and avocado, it’s an easy and satisfying option for the whole family!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Taco Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 1 ¾ cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- ¼ cup sour cream (for serving, optional)
- ¼ cup diced avocado (for serving, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Step 2: Add the Onion and Garlic
- Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add the Spices
- Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 1 minute until the spices become fragrant.
Step 4: Add Rice, Broth, and Tomatoes
- Stir in the uncooked rice, broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and black beans (if using).
- Mix well.
Step 5: Simmer
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
- Remove from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
- Cover with a lid for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream and diced avocado, if desired.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños to the skillet or increase the chili powder for extra heat.
- Rice Alternatives: Use quinoa or cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a gluten-free or lower-carb alternative.
- Toppings: Feel free to add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or salsa for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
