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
Scale
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.
