Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that brings all the vibrant tastes of a Mexican fiesta right to your dinner table, you have to try this Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that combines seasoned ground beef, tender rice, melty cheese, and a kick of spice all cooked together in one pan for effortless cleanup. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, offering bold flavors and a comforting texture that’s sure to become a family favorite. Once you make it, you’ll understand why I can’t stop recommending this Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe to friends who want a simple yet spectacular dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to create a bursting flavor profile. Each item is essential, contributing texture, aroma, or that irresistible Mexican-inspired taste we all love.
- Lean Ground Beef (85% lean): Provides rich, savory substance without too much fat for a balanced meal.
- Large Onion (finely diced): Adds sweetness and depth as it softens and blends with the beef.
- Jalapeno (diced, OPTIONAL): Brings just the right amount of heat to brighten the dish if you like a bit of spice.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- Taco Seasoning: The trademark blend that gives the dish its authentic Mexican taco taste.
- Garlic Powder: Adds subtle earthiness that complements the onions and spices beautifully.
- Rotel Tomatoes (with green chilies or petite diced tomatoes): Introduce acidity and a mild chili bite to balance richness.
- Tomato Sauce: Creates a luscious, saucy base that ties everything together.
- Beef Broth: Imparts a savory depth that infuses the rice as it cooks.
- Uncooked Rice: The heart of the dish that soaks up all those flavors for a tender, fluffy finish.
- Cheddar Cheese or Mexican Cheese Blend (shredded): Melts beautifully on top adding gooey, creamy goodness.
- Cilantro (chopped): Fresh herbaceous notes to brighten the final presentation and taste.
How to Make Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Skillet
Start by heating a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. The right skillet size is crucial because it allows the ingredients to cook evenly and gives you enough room to stir without spills. This step sets the stage for a perfectly cooked taco rice skillet.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef with Aromatics
Add the lean ground beef, finely diced onion, and the optional diced jalapeno right to the hot skillet. Season with salt and pepper. As the beef cooks, break it up and stir frequently until it’s browned and the onions are softened and fragrant. This is where the base flavors begin to develop. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Stir in Seasonings
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and garlic powder over the beef mixture. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the meat and onions. This seasoning mix is what makes the Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe stand out with its authentic and tasty taco flavor.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Sauce, Broth, and Rice
Next, add the Rotel tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, beef broth, and uncooked rice to the skillet. Mix everything together carefully so the rice is completely submerged in the liquid. This step is crucial because the rice will absorb all those lovely flavors as it cooks.
Step 5: Simmer Until Rice Is Tender
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has soaked up nearly all the liquid. Resist the urge to stir during cooking so the rice can cook evenly and the texture turns out just right.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Once the rice is perfectly cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend evenly on top. Cover the skillet again and allow the cheese to melt, creating a delicious gooey layer that will have everyone running to the table.
Step 7: Serve with Fresh Cilantro
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro across the cheesy surface. This final touch adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal brightness that lifts the whole dish. Now, your Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add complementary textures, consider topping your skillet with a dollop of sour cream, slices of avocado, or a handful of crunchy tortilla chips. Each garnish brings its own unique flair, making every bite exciting and bursting with flavor.
Side Dishes
This skillet stands beautifully on its own, but for a fuller meal, serve it alongside a bright, fresh green salad or a bowl of black beans. Corn on the cob or a simple Mexican street corn salad with lime and chili powder also pairs perfectly with the flavors in this dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the taco rice skillet in individual cast-iron skillets to keep each portion warm and impressive. You can also use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or even wrap it in warm tortillas for a quick and hearty taco bowl experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe tastes wonderful the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, so leftovers often taste just as good if not better than the first serving.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Portion out the cooled skillet into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the rice seems dry. Covering the skillet while reheating helps the cheese stay melty and the dish moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as lean alternatives and still pairs beautifully with the Mexican spices. For a vegetarian version, you could substitute cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms to keep the hearty texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free taco seasoning and ensure all canned ingredients do not contain gluten additives.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat?
Definitely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make it in advance, store it properly, and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy. The flavors hold up wonderfully with minimal quality loss.
What type of rice is best for this dish?
Long grain white rice is ideal because it cooks up fluffy and absorbs the flavors beautifully. You can experiment with brown rice, but it may require longer cooking time and additional liquid.
Can I add vegetables to this Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe?
Yes, adding vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or black beans can add extra nutrition and texture. Stir them in with the tomatoes and broth so they cook along with the rice for a well-rounded meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a one-pan meal that offers big flavor without the fuss, and this Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe hits all the right notes. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish brings comfort, spice, and cheesiness in every bite. Give it a try and I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for an easy yet impressive dinner!
Print
Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Mexican Taco Rice Skillet is a flavorful, one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef, rice cooked in a tomato and beef broth blend, and melted cheddar or Mexican cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious family-friendly dish that combines the zest of taco seasoning with cheesy goodness, all garnished with fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb. Lean Ground Beef (85% lean)
- 1 large Onion (finely diced)
- 1 Jalapeno (diced, optional)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 3 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 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
Grains and Cheese
- 1 cup Uncooked Rice
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese or Mexican Cheese blend (shredded)
Garnish
- Cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare Skillet: Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking the ingredients evenly.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef, finely diced onion, and optional diced jalapeno to the hot skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions have softened, then drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the taco seasoning and garlic powder thoroughly, coating the beef mixture well to build the foundational flavors of the dish.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced Rotel tomatoes (with their green chilies), beef broth, and uncooked rice. Stir gently to combine and ensure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Melt Cheese: Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and allow the cheese to melt completely.
- Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the cheesy rice and beef mixture, and serve hot with your favorite taco toppings or sides.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more jalapeno or use a spicy taco seasoning blend.
- If you prefer a milder dish, omit the jalapeno and use mild tomatoes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; add a splash of beef broth to refresh the rice when reheating.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Use gluten-free taco seasoning to make this recipe gluten free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
