Name: Easy Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet-Weeknight Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; ½ medium onion, diced; 3 tbsp taco seasoning; 8.5 oz bag Ready Rice (Uncle Ben's Spicy Mexican style recommended), prepared; ½ cup prepared salsa (any non-chunky variety); 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed; 15 oz can sweet corn, undrained; 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained; 4 oz Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded from a block; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; Sliced avocado, for serving; Sour cream, for serving; Crushed tortilla chips, for garnish

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is the ultimate weeknight warrior, a one-pan wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Imagine this: perfectly seasoned ground beef or turkey, simmered in a zesty tomato base, studded with corn and beans, all nestled under a blanket of gloriously melted cheese, ready to be scooped up with tortilla chips or served as is. It’s no wonder this dish has become a go-to for busy families and anyone craving comforting, satisfying food that tastes like a hug in a bowl. What truly elevates this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet from simply delicious to downright irresistible is its incredible versatility and its ability to please even the pickiest eaters. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, and the best part? Cleanup is a breeze, leaving you more time to savor every cheesy, flavorful bite.

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef
½ medium onion, diced
3 tbsp taco seasoning
8.5 oz bag Ready Rice (Uncle Ben’s Spicy Mexican style recommended), prepared according to package directions
½ cup prepared salsa (any non-chunky variety works well)
15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed thoroughly
15 oz can sweet corn, undrained (keeping the liquid adds flavor and moisture)
10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained (this adds a fantastic kick and texture)
4 oz Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded from a block (shredding your own cheese melts much better than pre-shredded)
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Sliced avocado, for serving
Sour cream, for serving
Crushed tortilla chips, for garnish

Getting Started: Browning the Beef

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté the Onion

Begin by placing a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the 1 lb of lean ground beef. Break up the meat with a spoon or spatula as it begins to cook. We’re aiming for a nice, even browning to develop flavor. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. While the beef is browning, it will release some fat. If there’s an excessive amount of grease, you can carefully drain most of it off, leaving just a little behind for flavor. Once the beef is mostly browned, add the diced ½ medium onion to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and become translucent, which should take another 3-5 minutes. The aroma at this stage is already quite inviting!

Step 2: Infuse with Taco Seasoning

Now it’s time to build those classic taco flavors. Sprinkle the 3 tbsp of taco seasoning evenly over the browned beef and sautéed onions. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the seasoning coats all the meat and onions. Cook for another minute or two, allowing the spices to toast slightly in the heat. This step is crucial for releasing the full fragrance and flavor of the taco seasoning. You’ll notice the mixture becoming more aromatic and developing a deeper, richer color. Make sure there are no dry spots of seasoning left; the goal is to have every bite infused with that familiar taco taste.

Building the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Step 3: Introduce the Liquids and Beans

With the beef and onions beautifully seasoned, it’s time to add the heartier ingredients. Pour in the prepared 8.5 oz bag of Ready Rice (Uncle Ben’s Spicy Mexican style is fantastic here, but any variety works). Next, add the ½ cup of prepared salsa. This adds a touch of moisture and a bright, tangy flavor. Now, introduce the 15 oz can of black beans, which have been drained and rinsed. Stir everything together to combine. The salsa will start to break down and mingle with the beef and rice, creating a wonderfully cohesive base for our Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet.

Step 4: Add the Corn and Tomatoes for Texture and Zest

We’re getting closer to a complete meal! Add the 15 oz can of sweet corn, undrained. Keeping the liquid from the corn adds a subtle sweetness and extra moisture that helps everything meld together. Then, carefully add the 10 oz can of diced tomatoes and green chiles, also undrained. This ingredient is a star player, providing a delightful pop of texture from the tomatoes and a gentle warmth from the green chiles, all while contributing their own flavorful liquid. Stir all these ingredients into the skillet, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the beef and rice mixture.

Melting the Cheese and Finishing Touches

Step 5: Simmer and Melt the Cheese to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This low and slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures the rice is tender. During this simmering time, the liquids from the corn and tomatoes will further hydrate the rice and create a delicious sauce. Once the simmering time is complete and the mixture is hot and bubbly, it’s time for the grand finale. Uncover the skillet and generously sprinkle the 4 oz of freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. The fresh shredding makes a big difference here; it melts smoothly and creates that irresistible cheesy pull. Cover the skillet again for just 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and gooey. Don’t overcook at this stage, as you don’t want the cheese to become oily or tough.

Serving Your Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Once the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Give it a gentle stir to distribute the melted cheese throughout the mixture, creating beautiful cheesy pockets. Serve this delicious Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro, which adds a burst of freshness. Top with sliced avocado for a creamy contrast, a dollop of sour cream for extra richness, and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch. This dish is incredibly satisfying on its own, but it also makes a fantastic side dish to other Tex-Mex favorites. Enjoy every flavorful, cheesy bite!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Your delicious and incredibly satisfying Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is ready to be devoured. This recipe is a true weeknight warrior, bringing together all the vibrant flavors of your favorite tacos in a convenient, one-pan meal. The combination of seasoned ground meat, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese is simply irresistible, making it a surefire hit with the whole family. We’ve found that this dish shines when served piping hot, straight from the skillet. Consider topping it with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or even some crunchy tortilla strips for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Don’t be afraid to get creative! This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is wonderfully adaptable. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the meat mixture. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans or crumbled tofu. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like a spicy Monterey Jack or a sharp cheddar, to tailor the flavor profile to your liking. We truly hope you enjoy making and eating this versatile skillet meal as much as we do. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire skillet meal and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through. You might need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to ensure the rice doesn’t dry out.

What kind of rice is best for this recipe?

While long-grain white rice is commonly used and works wonderfully, you can also experiment with brown rice for added fiber. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package directions, as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s very easy to make this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet gluten-free. Ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free, and use rice instead of any other grains that might contain gluten. The recipe as written is generally gluten-free if you choose your seasonings carefully.