Taco Rice Skillet 🌮🍚🧀
One pan. Big flavor. This Taco Rice Skillet is your go-to for a quick and hearty dinner packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors! With seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, melty cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings, this easy skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd. Less cleanup, more deliciousness!
Ingredients:
Main Skillet:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if using lean meat)
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade blend)
2 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
1 cup canned corn, drained
Salt & pepper, to taste
Toppings (optional but recommended):
1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
Sour cream
Sliced green onions
Diced avocado
Chopped fresh cilantro
Salsa or hot sauce
Instructions:
- Brown the meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil if needed and cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary. - Add aromatics:
Stir in diced onion, garlic, and chopped bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. - Season it:
Add the taco seasoning and stir well to coat the beef and veggies evenly. Cook for another 1–2 minutes. - Add rice and liquids:
Pour in the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), and corn. Mix everything together. - Simmer and cook:
Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - Make it cheesy:
Once the rice is tender, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted. - Finish with toppings:
Top with sour cream, green onions, avocado, cilantro, or your favorite taco fixings. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations:
✅ Use brown rice — just increase the cooking time and liquid slightly.
✅ Add black beans or pinto beans for extra fiber and protein.
✅ Make it spicy with diced jalapeños or hot salsa.
✅ Swap the beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or a plant-based alternative.
✅ Great for meal prep — stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days!
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes |
🍽️ Servings: 4–6
This Taco Rice Skillet is the perfect one-pan wonder — satisfying, easy to make, and family-approved! 🙌