Easy Skillet Taco Rice Recipe

Easy Skillet Taco Rice Recipe

This Easy Skillet Taco Rice is a simple, one-pan meal that’s full of bold Mexican flavors. It combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and classic taco toppings for a quick weeknight dinner or an easy dish to serve at a gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Taco toppings: sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, lime wedges, etc.

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground beef:

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.

2. Add veggies:

• Add the diced onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in the rice:

• Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the beef and veggies. Let the rice toast for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.

4. Add liquids and seasoning:

• Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, beef broth, and taco seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmer:

• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

6. Add cheese:

• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the cooked rice mixture. Cover again for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.

7. Serve:

• Fluff the taco rice mixture with a fork and serve it hot with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, or lime wedges.

Tips:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with black beans or pinto beans for a vegetarian version.
• Extra Veggies: Add corn, black beans, or zucchini to make it more hearty and nutritious.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using mild or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies and adding hot sauce or jalapeños.

This Easy Skillet Taco Rice is the perfect quick meal that brings all the taco flavors in a convenient, one-pan dish!