Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet: Delicious One-Pan Recipe

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea that will have your family running to the table? Say hello to the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet! In just 30 minutes, you can have a mouthwatering meal packed with all the Mexican flavors you love. This one-pan wonder is a game-changer, simplifying taco night without sacrificing taste. Picture sizzling beef, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese all in one skillet – it’s a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

I stumbled upon this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet recipe after years of taco night chaos, and it has since become a family favorite. With the cheese melting into every nook and cranny, each bite is a delightful mix of seasoned beef, tender rice, and creamy beans. Even my picky eater of a son gave it two thumbs up, declaring it ‘better than taco Tuesday’! This dish has transformed our weeknight dinners, offering a stress-free way to enjoy Mexican-inspired comfort food. So, gather your loved ones around the table and get ready to indulge in a dish that’s not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy 30-minute meal for busy weeknights
• Customizable with favorite toppings and protein options
• Family-friendly one-pan meal reduces cleanup
• Leftovers develop even more flavor for a tasty next-day lunch

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet: Delicious One-Pan Recipe Recipe

• Effortless Mexican Flavor: Enjoy the comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine in a quick and easy-to-make skillet dish.
• Family Favorite: Perfect for picky eaters and taco enthusiasts alike, this recipe received high praise from a teenage son and has become a go-to family meal.
• One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to the hassle of taco night with cracked shells and scattered toppings – this skillet recipe simplifies the process and brings everyone together around the table.
• Customizable and Versatile: Easily switch up the ingredients to suit your preferences – try different proteins, vegetables, or spice levels to make it your own.
• Rustic and Family-Style: Serve straight from the skillet for a cozy, communal dining experience, with customizable toppings for everyone to enjoy.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers for up to four days and let the flavors develop overnight for a delicious lunch the next day.
• Reliable Kitchen Companion: Whether feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this cheesy taco rice skillet is a dependable and delicious choice for any occasion.

Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet: Delicious One-Pan Recipe

Base

• ½ medium onion, diced
• 3 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 8.5 oz bag Ready Rice (Uncle Ben’s Spicy Mexican style recommended), prepared

Sauce & Vegetables

• 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz can sweet corn, undrained
• 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
• ½ cup prepared salsa (any non-chunky variety)

Toppings

• Sliced avocado, for serving
• Crushed tortilla chips, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• 4 oz Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded from block
• Sour cream, for serving

How to Make Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet: Delicious One-Pan Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Skillet

Preheat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and lightly spray with avocado or olive oil.

Step 2: Cook Meat Base

Cook ground beef and diced onions in a hot skillet for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned and onions are soft.

Step 3: Season the Mix

Incorporate taco seasoning and salsa into the meat mixture until thoroughly combined.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Combine drained black beans, corn with liquid, and tomatoes with green chiles. Simmer for 5-6 minutes until liquid reduces.

Step 5: Combine with Rice

Incorporate the Mexican-style rice until evenly combined.

Step 6: Add Cheese & Finish

Sprinkle freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top. Broil on the middle rack until cheese is bubbly, approximately 1 minute. Monitor closely to avoid burning.

Step 7: Serve

Top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips before serving.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve enjoyed your Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness and flavor. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This dish actually benefits from some time in the fridge, as the flavors develop and meld together, enhancing the taste for future meals.

When reheating the leftovers, you can use the microwave for a quick and easy meal. Simply place your desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely to prevent splattering, and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches the desired temperature. Alternatively, you can reheat the skillet on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

For a convenient lunch or dinner option throughout the week, the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a versatile dish that maintains its deliciousness even after being stored. With the flavors intensifying over time, each reheated serving promises a satisfying and flavorful experience, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet, you can easily swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu. Both options can be seasoned with the taco seasoning to mimic the savory flavor of traditional beef. Additionally, you can increase the amount of black beans or add in other protein sources like chickpeas or lentils to make the dish hearty and satisfying.

If you prefer a milder version of this dish, you can use a mild salsa or even tomato sauce instead of the prepared salsa. This adjustment will still provide a flavorful base without the heat of the spicy salsa. Moreover, if you don’t have Colby Jack cheese on hand, feel free to substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any other melty cheese you prefer. The cheese is essential for creating that gooey, comforting texture in the skillet dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive dinner, serve the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet straight from the skillet at the table. Set out a variety of toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips for everyone to customize their own bowl. It’s a great way to get the whole family involved and make dinner time more engaging.

To switch things up, consider turning this dish into build-your-own soft tacos by serving warm tortillas on the side. Let each person scoop the flavorful taco rice mixture into a tortilla and add their favorite toppings. It’s a versatile and customizable meal that can cater to different preferences, making it a hit for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

FAQs for Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet: Delicious One-Pan Recipe

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can easily swap out the lean ground beef for ground turkey or even ground chicken to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet by omitting the ground meat and using additional beans or adding more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also use a plant-based ground meat alternative.

Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

While this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

If you prefer a spicier dish, you can customize the heat level by adding diced jalapeños, using a spicier salsa, or incorporating additional spices like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the delightful and effortless Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet that never fails to bring smiles to the table. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste buds and preferences. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight meal or a food enthusiast eager to explore new flavors, this skillet is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

So gather your loved ones around, sprinkle on some cheese, and savor the comforting blend of Mexican-inspired goodness in every bite of this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet. Let this dish be a reminder that sometimes the most satisfying meals are the ones that bring us together, one delicious spoonful at a time.

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet: Delicious One-Pan Recipe

“An easy, cheesy skillet loaded with taco-spiced beef, fluffy rice, and melty Colby Jack cheese – the perfect one-pan Mexican comfort food in 30 minutes!”

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Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time25 Minutes

CuisineMexican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings

Ingredients

Base

• ½ medium onion, diced
• 3 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 8.5 oz bag Ready Rice (Uncle Ben’s Spicy Mexican style recommended), prepared

Sauce & Vegetables

• 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz can sweet corn, undrained
• 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
• ½ cup prepared salsa (any non-chunky variety)

Toppings

• Sliced avocado, for serving
• Crushed tortilla chips, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• 4 oz Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded from block
• Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Prep Your Skillet: Preheat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and lightly spray with avocado or olive oil.
2. Cook Meat Base: Cook ground beef and diced onions in a hot skillet for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned and onions are soft.
3. Season the Mix: Incorporate taco seasoning and salsa into the meat mixture until thoroughly combined.
4. Add Vegetables: Combine drained black beans, corn with liquid, and tomatoes with green chiles. Simmer for 5-6 minutes until liquid reduces.
5. Combine with Rice: Incorporate the Mexican-style rice until evenly combined.
6. Add Cheese & Finish: Sprinkle freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top. Broil on the middle rack until cheese is bubbly, approximately 1 minute. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
7. Serve: Top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips before serving.