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