Welcome to a delightful journey of flavors with the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet! This one-pan wonder is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty, cheesy, and with a hint of spice. Imagine the best parts of a taco and a comforting rice dish melded into a skillet dinner that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or a quiet dinner at home, this recipe is sure to please everyone’s palate.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
- Knives
- Cutting board
How to Make Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet – Step By Step
Step 1 – Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink. Ensure it’s evenly browned to bring out the natural flavors in the beef, setting a savory foundation for the dish.
Step 2 – Add Vegetables
Next, introduce the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the browned beef. Sauté these veggies until they soften and the onions turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds a layer of sweetness and depth to the dish, as the vegetables integrate with the beef.
Step 3 – Mix in Rice and Seasonings
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, coating it with the mixture of beef and veggies. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, stirring everything until the rice is golden and aromatic. This process enhances the rice with flavors that complement the beef and veggies.
Step 4 – Pour in the Liquids
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, including their juices, over the rice and beef mixture. Stir everything to ensure the liquids distribute evenly, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavorful broth.
Step 5 – Add Cheese
Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again for a minute or two until the cheese melts into gooey, delicious goodness. This final touch ties together the dish, intertwining flavors and textures beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
Once your cheesy taco rice skillet is ready, serve it directly from the skillet to maintain all the warmth and inviting aromas. Scoop generously onto plates, garnishing with fresh, chopped cilantro. Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal or some tortilla chips for an extra crunch.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For a smokier flavor, try adding some smoked paprika or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option, and consider adding black beans or corn for added texture and nutrition.
Pumped Up Protein: The High Protein Cheesy Taco Rice Version
If you’re looking to boost the protein content in this hearty meal, consider adding kidney beans or black beans. Not only do these ingredients elevate the protein levels, but they also bring an extra creamy texture. You can also top the dish with diced avocado for added flavor and healthy fats.
Crank Up the Flavor: A Low-Carb Cheesy Taco Rice Alternative
Shedding carbs without compromising taste is entirely possible with a few clever tweaks! Substitute cauliflower rice in place of regular rice to keep the carb count under control. Complement this swap with more cheese and additional vegetables like spinach or zucchini to add volume and richness.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover cheesy taco rice skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to moisten the rice.
FAQs
- Can I use brown rice? Yes, though it may require longer cooking time and more liquid.
- What if I don’t have taco seasoning? You can make your own with cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Can this be made into a vegetarian dish? Absolutely! Use plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
- How can I make this spicier? Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix to kick up the heat.
Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- uncooked rice
- diced tomatoes
- taco seasoning
- shredded cheddar cheese
- red bell pepper
- onion
- beef broth
- olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Steps
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned.
- Mix in the chopped red bell pepper and diced onion. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the rice and taco seasoning to the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring well until the rice is golden and fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until rice is tender.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the cooked rice mixture. Cover again until the cheese melts.