Description
This Mexican Taco Rice Skillet is a flavorful and hearty one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines classic taco flavors in a comforting skillet dish that serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. Lean Ground Beef (85% lean)
- 1 large Onion (finely diced)
- 1 Jalapeno (diced, optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 3 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel Tomatoes (with green chilies or petite diced tomatoes)
- 1 (8-ounce) can Tomato Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Beef Broth
- 1 cup Uncooked Rice
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese or Mexican Cheese blend (shredded)
- Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat to preheat for cooking the beef and vegetables.
- Cook the beef and aromatics: Add the ground beef, finely diced onion, diced jalapeno (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Brown the beef thoroughly while softening the onions. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the taco seasoning and garlic powder to evenly coat the beef mixture with flavor.
- Add liquids and rice: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with chilies, beef broth, and uncooked rice. Make sure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid to ensure even cooking.
- Simmer until rice is cooked: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquids.
- Melt the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend evenly over the cooked rice mixture. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for freshness and vibrant color. Serve the skillet hot with your favorite taco toppings, such as sour cream, avocado, or salsa.
Notes
- Jalapeno is optional; you can omit for less heat or substitute with a milder pepper.
- Using beef broth rather than water adds more rich flavor to the rice.
- Cheese can be substituted with a dairy-free or vegan option if desired.
- Make sure to cover the skillet well during simmering to properly cook the rice.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
