Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a hearty, one-pan dinner made with seasoned ground meat, tender rice, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup white rice uncooked
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes plain or with green chiles
- 2 cups chicken broth or beef broth
Cheese
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese blend
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn canned or frozen
- 1 bell pepper diced
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet with a lid over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture and stir well to coat evenly.
- Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), and broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 18–22 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Once rice is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheeses evenly over the top.
- Cover again and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra spice, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftover rice can be used—reduce broth to ½ cup and stir rice in near the end.
- Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
Nutrition
Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 28gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 720mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4g
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