Description
This Irresistible Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a comforting, flavorful Tex-Mex dish combining seasoned ground beef, hearty rice, beans, and corn all cooked together in one skillet. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh garnishes, it’s an easy one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With a rich blend of spices and wholesome ingredients, this gluten-free recipe offers a satisfying and delicious meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Skillet Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained)
- 1 ½ cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the beef and onion.
- Cook ground meat and onion: Add 1 pound ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade equivalent), cooking for an additional 1 minute to release flavors.
- Combine rice and liquids: Add 1 cup uncooked rice, 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles including juices, 1 ½ cups beef or chicken broth, 1 cup corn, and 1 cup black beans to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed.
- Melt the cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and serve: Top the cheesy rice skillet with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty Tex-Mex meal.
Notes
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the garlic and taco seasoning.
- This dish reheats well and is ideal for leftovers or repurposing as burrito filling.
