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Taco Rice Skillet

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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

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

Step 2: Add the Onion and Garlic

  1. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic.
  2. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add the Spices

  1. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Cook for 1 minute until the spices become fragrant.

Step 4: Add Rice, Broth, and Tomatoes

  1. Stir in the uncooked rice, broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and black beans (if using).
  2. Mix well.

Step 5: Simmer

  1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  2. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

  1. Remove from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
  2. Cover with a lid for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

  1. 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.
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free