Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a flavorful, one-pan dish that brings together the delicious flavors of tacos and cheesy rice in a simple and convenient way. This hearty dish features seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a cheesy, melty topping that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual family meal. The combination of savory taco seasoning, gooey cheese, and the satisfying texture of rice makes it a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that can easily be adapted to suit various tastes. Whether served as a main course or paired with fresh salsa, sour cream, or guacamole, this skillet meal is sure to become a family favorite.

The History of Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
While the exact origin of the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is not clear, it is part of the broader tradition of Tex-Mex cuisine, which blends flavors from Mexican and American culinary traditions. Tex-Mex dishes often feature ingredients like ground beef, rice, beans, cheese, and spices, making them ideal for quick and satisfying meals. The concept of combining rice with taco-flavored fillings is a popular variation on traditional taco dishes, which has gained widespread popularity in home cooking and on restaurant menus. This skillet meal, with its comforting combination of cheesy rice and taco-seasoned meat, is an evolution of simpler, classic dishes like taco casseroles and rice bowls that have been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients Breakdown
To make the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. Ground Beef – The base of the dish, typically lean ground beef, which absorbs the taco seasoning and blends well with the rice and cheese. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives for a lighter version.
2. Rice – Long-grain white rice or brown rice, which forms the hearty foundation of the skillet. White rice is the most common choice, but brown rice can be substituted for added fiber and nutrients.
3. Taco Seasoning – A blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, which provides the classic taco flavor. You can either use a store-bought packet or make your own.
4. Cheese – Shredded cheddar cheese and/or Mexican blend cheese, which melts beautifully over the rice and beef, adding creaminess and richness to the dish.
5. Diced Tomatoes – Canned diced tomatoes, often with green chilies, add a touch of tang and moisture to the dish. They also contribute to the overall flavor profile.
6. Onions – A small yellow or white onion, finely chopped, adds flavor and a slight sweetness that balances the savory beef and cheese.
7. Bell Peppers – Chopped bell peppers (typically red or green) provide crunch and sweetness, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the skillet.
8. Garlic – Fresh garlic, minced, provides a fragrant base flavor to the dish and complements the taco seasoning.
9. Beef Broth or Water – Used to cook the rice, adding flavor and ensuring the rice becomes tender and infused with the taco seasoning.
10. Olive Oil – For sautéing the onions, peppers, and garlic to bring out their flavors before adding the ground beef.

Step-by-Step Recipe:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the beef if necessary.
3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and stir to coat the meat evenly. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and beef broth or water. Stir well to combine.
4. Stir in the rice, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and/or Mexican blend cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again and cook for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from heat and let the skillet rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions if desired and serve hot.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

• For extra flavor, brown the ground beef with a small amount of the taco seasoning before adding the other ingredients.
• If you want to make the dish spicier, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
• Be sure to cover the skillet while the rice is cooking to trap in the steam and ensure the rice cooks evenly.
• For a crispy top, uncover the skillet during the last few minutes of baking to allow the cheese to get slightly golden and bubbly.
• Use a cast-iron skillet if you have one for even heat distribution and a nice crust on the bottom.
• If you want a lighter dish, consider using cauliflower rice in place of regular rice.
• Top the dish with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for added flavor.

Variations and Customizations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like black beans, kidney beans, or lentils.
• Chicken Version: Use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken as the protein for a leaner alternative.
• Spicy Kick: For those who like heat, include some diced jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Add More Veggies: Add additional vegetables like zucchini, corn, or spinach for more texture and flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack, queso blanco, or even cream cheese for a creamy twist.
• Taco-style: Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced olives for a more traditional taco feel.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
The Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a filling and flavorful dish, but it is high in calories and fat due to the cheese and ground beef. However, it also offers a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Ground beef provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc, while the rice contributes energy and fiber (especially if you choose brown rice). The addition of bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes adds important vitamins and antioxidants, which contribute to overall health. To make the dish healthier, you can substitute the ground beef with leaner meats like ground turkey or chicken, and opt for reduced-fat cheese or a smaller amount of cheese. Additionally, switching to cauliflower rice can lower the carbohydrate content while still providing a satisfying texture.
It’s important to note that this dish may be high in sodium, particularly if you’re using store-bought taco seasoning and broth. Opting for low-sodium versions of these ingredients or making your own seasoning mix can help manage sodium levels. Serving this dish with a side of fresh vegetables or a leafy green salad can further increase its nutritional value.

FAQ

1. Can I make Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Simply cook it, allow it to cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat it in the skillet before serving.
2. Can I freeze the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet?
   This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. Reheat it thoroughly in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.
3. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
   Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. Just be aware that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the cooking time.
4. How can I make the dish spicier?
   Add diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce to increase the heat in the dish.

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan dish featuring seasoned beef, rice, and melted cheese, perfect for a weeknight meal. This customizable recipe is an easy, satisfying dinner option that can be adjusted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• ½ medium onion diced
• 3 tbsp taco seasoning
• ½ cup prepared salsa store-bought or homemade; any salsa that isn’t thick and chunky will work well
• 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
• 15 oz can sweet corn do not drain
• 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chiles
• 8.5 oz bag Ready Rice microwaved according to package directions; I used Uncle Ben’s Spicy Mexican style rice
• 4 oz Colby Jack cheese shredded from the block
• Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro sliced avocado, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

 

• Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and spray with avocado oil spray (or olive oil).
• Add the ground beef and diced onions, cooking for 8-10 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are soft.
• Preheat the oven to Broil and adjust the rack to the middle setting.
• Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa with the ground beef and onions, mixing well to combine.
• Add the drained black beans, undrained sweet corn, and undrained diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-6 minutes until most of the liquid has reduced.
• Stir in the cooked rice, mixing it thoroughly, and top with shredded cheese.
• Broil, keeping a close eye on it, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about a minute or so. Garnish with your choice of toppings and serve.

Notes

Shred your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how well it melts. For the best melting and texture, shred your cheese fresh from the block.
No oven-safe skillet? If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, cook the beef and rice mixture on the stove as directed, then transfer it to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add extra aromatics – Boost the flavor by adding diced bell peppers and minced garlic. Sauté them along with the onions for an enhanced taste.
Make it spicier – If you like it hot, spice things up by adding diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce. You can also use a spicier salsa for added heat.
Cook rice from scratch – Instead of using ready rice, opt for long-grain rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice. Cook it separately, then fold it into the skillet mixture before topping with cheese.