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- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice - 1 pound ground turkey or beef - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with green chilies for extra flavor) - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish) Use cheddar cheese for its great melt and flavor. You can add more cheese on top for a cheesier experience. For fresh flavor, top with chopped cilantro or green onions. They bring color and a fresh taste. You will need a large skillet and measuring cups for this recipe. The skillet helps cook everything evenly. I suggest using good quality olive oil for sautéing. It adds a nice flavor to the dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large skillet. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add one small diced onion. Cook the onion for about three to four minutes. You want it soft and fragrant. Next, stir in two minced garlic cloves. Then, add one pound of ground turkey or beef. Cook the meat until it is browned and crumbled. If there’s extra fat, drain it away. Now, it’s time to add flavor. Sprinkle one packet of taco seasoning over the meat. Mix it well for about one minute. This step makes the meat tasty. Next, add one cup of uncooked long-grain rice to the skillet. Stir the rice into the meat mixture. Now, pour in one can of diced tomatoes (with juices), two cups of chicken broth, one can of black beans, and one cup of corn. Make sure to stir everything together well. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it bubbles, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for about twenty to twenty-five minutes. This time lets the rice cook well. Check it to see if the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly gone. When it’s done, stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts completely. Add salt and pepper to taste. To adjust the seasoning, taste your dish as you cook. If it needs more flavor, add more taco seasoning or salt. Mix well and let it cook a bit longer to blend the taste. For fluffy rice, rinse it before cooking. This removes excess starch. Use a 2:1 ratio of broth to rice for the right texture. Avoid stirring too much while it cooks. Let it simmer gently for best results. Add extra ingredients like bell peppers or jalapeños for a kick. You can also mix in avocado for creaminess. For a fresh side, serve it with a green salad. A simple corn salad pairs well too. These sides balance the rich flavors of the dish. Serve the cheesy taco rice in colorful bowls. Top with extra cheese for a cheesy finish. Fresh cilantro or green onions add a nice touch. For extra crunch, serve with tortilla chips on the side. You can even use chips to scoop the rice. This makes it fun to eat! Pro Tips Use Brown Rice: For a healthier option, substitute white rice with brown rice. Just remember to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook. Customize Your Meat: Feel free to use other proteins like shredded chicken or plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile. Add More Veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost the nutritional content and add more color to your dish. Make It Spicy: If you love heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for an extra kick. {{image_2}} You can swap the meat in this dish for beans. Black beans provide a great protein source and keep the meal hearty. Simply add 2 cans of beans instead of meat. You can also try chicken or pork. For chicken, use ground or shredded meat. For pork, ground pork works well too. Each option adds its own flavor and texture. Add more veggies to boost flavor and nutrition. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach blend well in this dish. You can also mix in spices like cumin or paprika for depth. For cheese, try pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a kick. Mixing different cheeses creates a creamy texture and adds flavor. If you need a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free taco seasoning. Most rice is gluten-free, so you’re safe there. For dairy-free options, use dairy-free cheese. Coconut milk can replace chicken broth for a different taste. These adjustments ensure everyone can enjoy this meal without worry. After you enjoy your Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet, you can store the leftovers. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. The dish lasts in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you want to eat it again, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet. First, let it cool completely. Then, divide it into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. This way, it stays fresh. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Leftovers are great for new meals! You can use them in burritos or tacos. Just spoon some rice onto a tortilla and add your favorite toppings. You can also mix it into a salad for a hearty lunch. For meal prep, pack individual portions in containers. This makes it easy to grab a meal on busy days. This dish is quick and easy! It takes about 35 minutes in total. You spend 10 minutes getting ready and then 25 minutes cooking. This means you can have a yummy dinner on the table fast! Yes, you can use brown rice! Just remember, it takes longer to cook. You will need about 45-50 minutes instead of 25. Make sure to add extra liquid, too, as brown rice absorbs more. Use 2 ½ cups of chicken broth for best results. The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you use. Some brands are mild, while others can be hot. If you want less heat, choose a mild seasoning. You can also add less seasoning or mix in some extra cheese to cool it down. Enjoy your meal just how you like it! In this blog post, we explored how to make Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet using ground meat, pantry staples, and delicious cheese. I shared tips to enhance flavor, perfect texture, and make this dish your own. Remember, cooking is creative. You can mix ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you keep it simple or add extra flair, you will enjoy this meal. With easy storage tips, this dish can stretch into multiple meals. Embrace the joy of cooking and enjoy every bite!

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

A delicious one-pan meal featuring rice, ground meat, and cheesy goodness.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with green chilies for extra flavor)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and ground turkey or beef, cooking until the meat is browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and mix well to combine, cooking for an additional minute.
  • Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring it into the meat mixture.
  • Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, black beans, and corn. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Once the rice is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with extra cheese and fresh herbs for garnish.
Keyword cheesy, quick meal, rice, skillet, taco