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Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet Quick and Flavorful Meal

by on March 15, 2025

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Looking for a quick and tasty meal? You’ve found it with my Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet! This one-pan dish is packed with flavor and can be on your table in just 30 minutes. With easy steps and simple ingredients, you can impress your family any night of the week. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started on this cheesy, satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone!

To make a tasty Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice - 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) - 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Salt and pepper, to taste These ingredients pack a punch of flavor. The ground meat gives a hearty base. The rice soaks up all the yummy juices. Black beans add fiber and protein. The tomatoes with chilies bring a nice kick. Don't forget the cheese! It melts into a creamy dream. You can personalize this with your favorite toppings. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heating the skillet and sautéing onion Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. 2. Cooking the garlic and meat Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 pound of ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Break up the meat with a spatula. Make sure it is browned and cooked through. Drain any extra fat from the skillet. 3. Adding taco seasoning Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning. Let it cook for another 2 minutes. This step helps the spices blend well with the meat. 4. Mixing in rice and other ingredients Now, add 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice, 1 can of rinsed black beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, and 1 cup of corn. Pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything together until well combined. 5. Simmering until rice is cooked Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This allows the rice to cook and absorb most of the liquid. 6. Melting cheese and finishing the dish After the rice is tender, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the skillet again for 5 minutes. This helps the cheese melt nicely. 7. Final touches Taste your dish and add salt and pepper as needed. Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. - Choosing the best ground meat: Ground beef gives rich flavor. Ground turkey is leaner but still tasty. Choose what you like best! - Adjusting spice levels: Taco seasoning packs a punch. If you like it mild, use less. For more heat, add some cayenne or chili powder. - Ensuring rice cooks evenly: Rinse the rice before adding. This removes extra starch. It helps the rice stay fluffy and cook well. - Best practices for melting cheese: Add cheese at the end. Cover the skillet to trap heat. This melts the cheese perfectly without burning. - Ideas for garnishing with cilantro: Chop fresh cilantro finely. Sprinkle it on top for color and flavor. It adds a nice touch and freshness. - Serving suggestions with sides: Serve with tortilla chips or a side salad. You can also add sour cream or guacamole. These sides make the meal even more fun! Pro Tips Use Brown Rice: For a healthier option, substitute long-grain rice with brown rice. Just remember to increase the cooking time and liquid accordingly. Spice it Up: If you prefer extra heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the skillet when cooking the meat. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack for a spicier kick or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be easily made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat and serve for a quick weeknight meal! {{image_2}} You can easily change this dish to fit your needs. For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with diced mushrooms or lentils. Both add great flavor and texture. If you want a vegan dish, skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a full vegan meal. For gluten-free options, ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free. Most brands are safe. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. To make your dish pop, try adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika. These spices can boost the taste and give warmth to the meal. You can also add veggies for extra nutrition. Chopped bell peppers or zucchini blend well. They add color and crunch. Just toss them in with the onion for a tasty boost. These variations make the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet fun and different each time you cook it! To keep your Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet fresh, you need to cool it first. Allow the dish to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Once cooled, transfer the leftovers into airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well for storage. Make sure to fill them only halfway to allow for expansion when freezing. Label the containers with the date for easy tracking. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, use a safe reheating method. The stovetop is my favorite way. Place the skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir often to keep the rice from burning. You can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps moisture in. Reheat for one minute, then stir and check if it’s warm. If not, heat in 30-second bursts until hot. This method helps maintain flavor and texture. Enjoy your meal just like it was fresh! How can I make Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet ahead of time? You can prepare the dish in advance. Cook it fully, then cool it down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, you can use brown rice. Just remember that it takes longer to cook. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the simmer time. Also, use more broth to ensure it cooks well. What's the best way to freeze this dish? To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. How to customize the recipe for kids? Make it kid-friendly by cutting back on spices. You can also add more cheese for extra flavor. Serve it with tortilla chips or soft tortillas for fun eating options. Is it possible to make it in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Brown the meat and onions first, then put everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for about 4-6 hours. Stir in the cheese just before serving. In this blog post, we covered a tasty Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet recipe, focusing on simple ingredients and clear steps. You learned how to prepare the dish, tips for perfecting the recipe, and variations for dietary needs. Remember, you can customize spice levels to fit your taste. Keep leftovers fresh with proper storage methods. This meal is not only easy but also fun to make and serve. Enjoy cooking and sharing this hearty dish with those you love!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. One-Pan Wonder: This recipe is a complete meal cooked in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
  2. Flavor Packed: The combination of taco seasoning, cheese, and fresh ingredients delivers an explosion of flavor in every bite.
  3. Versatile Ingredients: Use ground beef, turkey, or even a meat substitute to cater to your dietary preferences.
  4. Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 40 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

To make a tasty Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet, gather these simple ingredients:

– 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice

– 1 pound ground beef or turkey

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 small onion, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 packet taco seasoning

– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

– 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)

– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

– Fresh cilantro, for garnish

– Salt and pepper, to taste

These ingredients pack a punch of flavor. The ground meat gives a hearty base. The rice soaks up all the yummy juices. Black beans add fiber and protein. The tomatoes with chilies bring a nice kick. Don’t forget the cheese! It melts into a creamy dream. You can personalize this with your favorite toppings. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Heating the skillet and sautéing onion

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and clear.

2. Cooking the garlic and meat

Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 pound of ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Break up the meat with a spatula. Make sure it is browned and cooked through. Drain any extra fat from the skillet.

3. Adding taco seasoning

Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning. Let it cook for another 2 minutes. This step helps the spices blend well with the meat.

4. Mixing in rice and other ingredients

Now, add 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice, 1 can of rinsed black beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, and 1 cup of corn. Pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything together until well combined.

5. Simmering until rice is cooked

Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This allows the rice to cook and absorb most of the liquid.

6. Melting cheese and finishing the dish

After the rice is tender, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the skillet again for 5 minutes. This helps the cheese melt nicely.

7. Final touches

Taste your dish and add salt and pepper as needed. Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

– Choosing the best ground meat: Ground beef gives rich flavor. Ground turkey is leaner but still tasty. Choose what you like best!

– Adjusting spice levels: Taco seasoning packs a punch. If you like it mild, use less. For more heat, add some cayenne or chili powder.

– Ensuring rice cooks evenly: Rinse the rice before adding. This removes extra starch. It helps the rice stay fluffy and cook well.

– Best practices for melting cheese: Add cheese at the end. Cover the skillet to trap heat. This melts the cheese perfectly without burning.

Presentation Tips

– Ideas for garnishing with cilantro: Chop fresh cilantro finely. Sprinkle it on top for color and flavor. It adds a nice touch and freshness.

– Serving suggestions with sides: Serve with tortilla chips or a side salad. You can also add sour cream or guacamole. These sides make the meal even more fun!

Pro Tips

  1. Use Brown Rice: For a healthier option, substitute long-grain rice with brown rice. Just remember to increase the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
  2. Spice it Up: If you prefer extra heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the skillet when cooking the meat.
  3. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack for a spicier kick or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture.
  4. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be easily made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat and serve for a quick weeknight meal!

Variations

Dietary Modifications

You can easily change this dish to fit your needs. For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with diced mushrooms or lentils. Both add great flavor and texture.

If you want a vegan dish, skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a full vegan meal.

For gluten-free options, ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free. Most brands are safe. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry.

Flavor Enhancements

To make your dish pop, try adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika. These spices can boost the taste and give warmth to the meal.

You can also add veggies for extra nutrition. Chopped bell peppers or zucchini blend well. They add color and crunch. Just toss them in with the onion for a tasty boost.

These variations make the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet fun and different each time you cook it!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet fresh, you need to cool it first. Allow the dish to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Once cooled, transfer the leftovers into airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well for storage. Make sure to fill them only halfway to allow for expansion when freezing. Label the containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Best Practices

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, use a safe reheating method. The stovetop is my favorite way. Place the skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir often to keep the rice from burning. You can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps moisture in. Reheat for one minute, then stir and check if it’s warm. If not, heat in 30-second bursts until hot. This method helps maintain flavor and texture. Enjoy your meal just like it was fresh!

FAQs

Common Questions

How can I make Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet ahead of time?

You can prepare the dish in advance. Cook it fully, then cool it down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice. Just remember that it takes longer to cook. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the simmer time. Also, use more broth to ensure it cooks well.

What’s the best way to freeze this dish?

To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.

How to customize the recipe for kids?

Make it kid-friendly by cutting back on spices. You can also add more cheese for extra flavor. Serve it with tortilla chips or soft tortillas for fun eating options.

Is it possible to make it in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meat and onions first, then put everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for about 4-6 hours. Stir in the cheese just before serving.

In this blog post, we covered a tasty Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet recipe, focusing on simple ingredients and clear steps. You learned how to prepare the dish, tips for perfecting the recipe, and variations for dietary needs. Remember, you can customize spice levels to fit your taste. Keep leftovers fresh with proper storage methods. This meal is not only easy but also fun to make and serve. Enjoy cooking and sharing this hearty dish with those you lov

To make a tasty Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice - 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) - 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Salt and pepper, to taste These ingredients pack a punch of flavor. The ground meat gives a hearty base. The rice soaks up all the yummy juices. Black beans add fiber and protein. The tomatoes with chilies bring a nice kick. Don't forget the cheese! It melts into a creamy dream. You can personalize this with your favorite toppings. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heating the skillet and sautéing onion Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. 2. Cooking the garlic and meat Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 pound of ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Break up the meat with a spatula. Make sure it is browned and cooked through. Drain any extra fat from the skillet. 3. Adding taco seasoning Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning. Let it cook for another 2 minutes. This step helps the spices blend well with the meat. 4. Mixing in rice and other ingredients Now, add 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice, 1 can of rinsed black beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, and 1 cup of corn. Pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything together until well combined. 5. Simmering until rice is cooked Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This allows the rice to cook and absorb most of the liquid. 6. Melting cheese and finishing the dish After the rice is tender, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the skillet again for 5 minutes. This helps the cheese melt nicely. 7. Final touches Taste your dish and add salt and pepper as needed. Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. - Choosing the best ground meat: Ground beef gives rich flavor. Ground turkey is leaner but still tasty. Choose what you like best! - Adjusting spice levels: Taco seasoning packs a punch. If you like it mild, use less. For more heat, add some cayenne or chili powder. - Ensuring rice cooks evenly: Rinse the rice before adding. This removes extra starch. It helps the rice stay fluffy and cook well. - Best practices for melting cheese: Add cheese at the end. Cover the skillet to trap heat. This melts the cheese perfectly without burning. - Ideas for garnishing with cilantro: Chop fresh cilantro finely. Sprinkle it on top for color and flavor. It adds a nice touch and freshness. - Serving suggestions with sides: Serve with tortilla chips or a side salad. You can also add sour cream or guacamole. These sides make the meal even more fun! Pro Tips Use Brown Rice: For a healthier option, substitute long-grain rice with brown rice. Just remember to increase the cooking time and liquid accordingly. Spice it Up: If you prefer extra heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the skillet when cooking the meat. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack for a spicier kick or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be easily made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat and serve for a quick weeknight meal! {{image_2}} You can easily change this dish to fit your needs. For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with diced mushrooms or lentils. Both add great flavor and texture. If you want a vegan dish, skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a full vegan meal. For gluten-free options, ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free. Most brands are safe. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. To make your dish pop, try adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika. These spices can boost the taste and give warmth to the meal. You can also add veggies for extra nutrition. Chopped bell peppers or zucchini blend well. They add color and crunch. Just toss them in with the onion for a tasty boost. These variations make the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet fun and different each time you cook it! To keep your Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet fresh, you need to cool it first. Allow the dish to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Once cooled, transfer the leftovers into airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well for storage. Make sure to fill them only halfway to allow for expansion when freezing. Label the containers with the date for easy tracking. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, use a safe reheating method. The stovetop is my favorite way. Place the skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir often to keep the rice from burning. You can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps moisture in. Reheat for one minute, then stir and check if it’s warm. If not, heat in 30-second bursts until hot. This method helps maintain flavor and texture. Enjoy your meal just like it was fresh! How can I make Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet ahead of time? You can prepare the dish in advance. Cook it fully, then cool it down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, you can use brown rice. Just remember that it takes longer to cook. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the simmer time. Also, use more broth to ensure it cooks well. What's the best way to freeze this dish? To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. How to customize the recipe for kids? Make it kid-friendly by cutting back on spices. You can also add more cheese for extra flavor. Serve it with tortilla chips or soft tortillas for fun eating options. Is it possible to make it in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Brown the meat and onions first, then put everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for about 4-6 hours. Stir in the cheese just before serving. In this blog post, we covered a tasty Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet recipe, focusing on simple ingredients and clear steps. You learned how to prepare the dish, tips for perfecting the recipe, and variations for dietary needs. Remember, you can customize spice levels to fit your taste. Keep leftovers fresh with proper storage methods. This meal is not only easy but also fun to make and serve. Enjoy cooking and sharing this hearty dish with those you love!

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring rice, ground meat, and cheesy goodness.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another 2 minutes to let the spices blend with the meat.
  • Add the rice, black beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, corn, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  • Once the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly gone, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings.
Keyword cheesy, one-pan meal, rice, skillet, taco

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