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
Scale
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
