Description of this recipe:
This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a quick, easy, and flavorful one-pan meal that brings the best of taco night and comfort food together. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something deliciously cheesy and packed with savory flavors. This skillet combines ground beef, fragrant taco seasoning, fluffy rice, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a generous blanket of melted Mexican cheese. The addition of diced tomatoes with green chilies adds a subtle kick, while fresh green onions provide a vibrant finish. It’s a customizable dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Why you will love this recipe:
You’ll absolutely fall in love with this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet because it’s:
- Incredibly Easy: This recipe is a breeze to make, requiring minimal prep time and only one skillet for cooking, meaning fewer dishes to wash!
- Full of Flavor: The combination of taco-seasoned ground beef, rice, black beans, corn, and melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Customizable: Feel free to adapt this recipe to your liking by adding your favorite taco toppings or swapping out ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults alike.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable and readily available ingredients, this skillet meal is a great option for those looking to save money without compromising on taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: The Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet can be easily made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and convenient lunch or dinner.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as is or serve it with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and more!
- Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, this dish is ready in under an hour, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights.
- Comforting: There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy, and flavorful skillet meal that satisfies on every level.
- A fun alternative to tacos: When you are bored of just tacos, this is a perfect way to spice things up!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy final product. Make sure the beef is fully cooked through before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute, until the seasoning becomes fragrant. This helps to bloom the spices and release their full flavor potential. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the ground beef.
Step 4: Add the rice, water or beef broth, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine. Make sure the rice is evenly dispersed for even cooking. At this stage, taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during simmering as this can release steam and prolong the cooking time. Check the rice periodically towards the end of the cooking time to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the skillet.
Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. The cheese should be melted to perfection, creating a gooey and irresistible topping.
Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving. The green onions add a fresh and vibrant finish to the dish.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Very Easy)
- Flavor: 5/5 (Excellent)
- Customizability: 5/5 (Highly Customizable)
- Kid-Friendliness: 5/5 (Kid-Approved)
- Overall: 5/5 (Highly Recommended)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet as a main course.
- Top with your favorite taco toppings such as:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Guacamole or avocado slices
- Salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- Pico de gallo
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped cilantro
- A squeeze of lime juice
- Serve with a side of tortilla chips for dipping.
- Offer a side salad for a more complete meal.
- Serve with warm tortillas for making tacos or burritos.
- Pair with a refreshing margarita or Mexican beer.
- Add a dollop of refried beans on the side for extra heartiness.
- Serve with a side of Mexican street corn salad (Elote).
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a salty and savory touch.
- Offer a variety of hot sauces for those who like extra spice.
Tips:
- Use a good quality non-stick skillet: This will prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom and make cleanup a breeze.
- Don’t overcook the rice: Check the rice periodically while simmering to ensure it doesn’t become mushy.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your liking: If you prefer a milder flavor, use less taco seasoning. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Customize the cheese: Feel free to use your favorite type of cheese or a combination of cheeses. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack are all great options.
- Add more vegetables: Consider adding other vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground beef or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Make it spicier: Add a diced jalapeño pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef while cooking for extra heat.
- Use leftover cooked rice: This is a great way to use up leftover rice and save time on preparation.
- Toast the rice before cooking: Toasting the rice in the skillet before adding the liquid enhances its flavor and aroma.
- Use beef broth instead of water: Beef broth adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Make it ahead of time: The Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Estimates will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 30-40 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000 mg per serving
Conclusion:
The Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a winning combination of convenience, flavor, and versatility. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a satisfying and comforting dish. With its customizable ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and memorable meal! This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the vibrant flavors of a taco night in a cheesy, rice-filled format. It is something to enjoy and remember for a long time!
5 Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground beef or crumbled tofu. Both options work wonderfully and provide a similar texture and protein content. You can also add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to enhance the flavor and heartiness of the dish.
Q2: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: If you’re a fan of spicy food, there are several ways to kick up the heat in this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet. You can add a diced jalapeño pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef while it’s cooking. Alternatively, you can use a spicier taco seasoning or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the skillet. Another great option is to top the finished dish with pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha.
Q3: Can I use leftover cooked rice for this recipe?
A: Yes, definitely! Using leftover cooked rice is a fantastic way to save time and effort when making this recipe. Simply add the cooked rice to the skillet along with the other ingredients, and adjust the amount of water or broth accordingly. This is a great way to repurpose leftover rice and reduce food waste.
Q4: What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
A: While the recipe calls for a shredded Mexican cheese blend, you can really use any type of cheese that you enjoy. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a combination of cheeses would all work well. The key is to choose a cheese that melts easily and has a good flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a great dish to make ahead of time. Simply prepare the recipe as instructed, then let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the skillet in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out during reheating. This is a great option for meal prepping or for those busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook.
