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.
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.
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.