Description
Taco Rice Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and tomatoes with green chilies, topped with melted cheese and fresh garnishes. Perfect for a quick, comforting dinner packed with Tex-Mex flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 1 ¾ cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Garnishes and Serving
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- ¼ cup sour cream (for serving, optional)
- ¼ cup diced avocado (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the Onion and Garlic: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the Spices: Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until the spices become fragrant.
- Add Rice, Broth, and Tomatoes: Stir in the uncooked rice, broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and black beans if using. Mix well.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover with a lid for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream and diced avocado, if desired.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Use brown rice for added fiber, but increase simmering time by about 10 minutes.
- Black beans add protein and fiber but are optional.
- Adjust spices to taste for desired heat level.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
