If you are craving a meal that brings together all the vibrant flavors of a taco but without the fuss of multiple dishes, this One-Pan Taco Rice Dinner Recipe is the perfect answer. It’s a delightful, colorful, and hearty dinner that combines seasoned ground beef, tender rice, sweet corn, and black beans all cooked together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This recipe is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a time-saver, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that your entire family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple at first glance, but each one plays a vital role in building the rich, hearty taste and satisfying texture of this One-Pan Taco Rice Dinner Recipe. From the aromatic garlic to the creamy cheese, every component works together to create a dish bursting with Mexican-inspired flair.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the meat and soften the onions while adding a subtle richness.
- Ground beef (or turkey): Provides a savory base and protein-packed punch.
- Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked down.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic undertone.
- Taco seasoning: Brings that classic taco flavor blend, from smoky cumin to zesty chili powder.
- Long grain white rice (uncooked): Absorbs all the spices and broth to create a tender, fluffy texture.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds bright acidity and a little heat for an authentic kick.
- Beef or chicken broth: Cooks the rice perfectly and enriches the overall flavor.
- Canned corn: Offers bursts of sweet juiciness in every bite.
- Black beans: Add earthiness, fiber, and substance to this one-pan wonder.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the dish for comforting creaminess.
- Chopped cilantro and sliced green onions (optional): Fresh garnishes that add brightness and a pop of color.
How to Make One-Pan Taco Rice Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat and Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, brown the ground beef or turkey with the diced onion until the meat is fully cooked and the onion has softened—this should take about 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds the rich foundation of flavors that will permeate the whole dish.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Taco Seasoning
Next, stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning, cooking everything together for just 1 minute. This quick sauté releases the fragrant oils and infuses the meat and onions with that unmistakable taco warmth.
Step 3: Combine Rice, Tomatoes, and Broth
Pour in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef or chicken broth, stirring well so all ingredients are evenly mixed. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before covering the skillet and reducing the heat to low for simmering. This allows the rice to absorb all the delicious liquid and flavors for about 18 to 20 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the Corn, Beans, and Cheese
Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, stir in the canned corn, black beans, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover again, and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts into a glorious, gooey layer on the surface.
How to Serve One-Pan Taco Rice Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped cilantro and sliced green onions right before serving is a simple way to elevate the dish. These fresh ingredients add a bright pop of flavor and a lovely contrast to the richness of the cheese and spices, making every bite pop with freshness.
Side Dishes
Although this One-Pan Taco Rice Dinner Recipe is a complete meal, pairing it with a light side like a crisp green salad or some crunchy tortilla chips can complement the heartiness perfectly. You could also serve it alongside a fresh guacamole or a cool dollop of sour cream to temper the spices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual bowls topped with avocado slices, a squeeze of lime, and even a handful of crushed taco shells for added texture. You could also pack it into warm tortillas for a taco rice burrito that’s portable and just as delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this One-Pan Taco Rice Dinner Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps well, maintaining its rich flavors and textures without getting soggy.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, this dish freezes nicely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will keep for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the best quality.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the rice dinner in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore its moistness. Adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese or garnishes after reheating freshens it right up.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a leaner alternative. It cooks quickly and soaks up the taco seasoning just as well as beef, keeping the flavor profile intact.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the meat and simply increase the amount of beans and corn, or add some diced bell peppers and mushrooms for extra heartiness. Just be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but keep in mind brown rice takes significantly longer to cook—near 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll want to adjust the liquid amount and cooking time accordingly to ensure the rice becomes tender without drying out.
What can I add to make this recipe spicier?
If you enjoy a little heat, add diced jalapeños along with the onions or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes when adding the taco seasoning. You can also top the finished dish with spicy salsa or hot sauce.
Can I prepare this dish ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! This dish is great for meal prep because it stores well and reheats nicely. Prepare the full recipe, divide into portions, and refrigerate or freeze for quick, flavorful meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about making a complete, flavorful dinner in just one pan, and this One-Pan Taco Rice Dinner Recipe checks every box. It’s easy, comforting, and bursting with fresh, bold flavors that make it a definite keeper in your weeknight dinner rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’re going to love how effortlessly delicious it is!
Print
One-Pan Taco Rice Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Pan Taco Rice Dinner is a flavorful and easy skillet meal combining seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, corn, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this Mexican-inspired dish brings together wholesome ingredients in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze. Garnished with fresh cilantro and green onions, it offers a satisfying and hearty twist on classic taco flavors.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- Chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Grains and Seasonings
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the beef and onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for an additional 1 minute to release the aromas and combine the flavors.
- Add rice and liquids: Add the uncooked rice, the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the beef broth to the skillet. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Simmer the rice mixture: Reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in beans, corn, and cheese: Remove the skillet cover and stir in the drained corn, rinsed black beans, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Spread the remaining cheese on top of the mixture.
- Melt the cheese: Cover the skillet again and cook for 2 to 3 minutes over low heat, just long enough for the cheese to melt completely.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions if desired, and serve the taco rice hot for a delicious, all-in-one meal.
Notes
- Use brown rice if preferred, but increase the cooking time and broth quantity accordingly to ensure the rice cooks fully.
- Add diced jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
- Top with sour cream, avocado slices, or salsa to enhance the taco-style flavors.
- Ground turkey makes a leaner alternative to ground beef while keeping the dish flavorful.
- Ensure taco seasoning and broth are certified gluten-free if adhering to a strict gluten-free diet.
