The Ultimate Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet Recipe For Family Dinners

Dinner just got an exciting upgrade with this mouthwatering cheesy taco rice skillet that promises to satisfy every comfort food craving.

Packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, this one-pan wonder delivers a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.

The combination of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese creates a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Spices dance through each bite, adding depth and excitement to this simple yet incredible recipe.

Fresh toppings like cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream can elevate this skillet from good to absolutely irresistible.

This hearty meal comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something tasty and satisfying.

Grab a fork and get ready to enjoy a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Taco Rice Skillet Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the primary protein for the skillet dish.
• Diced Onions: Adds aromatic depth and sweetness to the meat mixture.

• Taco Seasoning, Salsa: Provides robust Mexican-inspired flavor and moisture to the meat mixture.

• Black Beans, Corn, Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Adds texture, nutrition, and a vibrant southwestern flavor profile to the skillet.

• Mexican-Style Rice: Serves as a filling and complementary base for the skillet.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Provides a creamy, melty topping that enhances the overall richness of the dish.

• Fresh Cilantro, Avocado Slices, Sour Cream, Crushed Tortilla Chips: Offers additional layers of flavor, freshness, and textural contrast.

• Avocado Oil Spray, Olive Oil Spray: Ensures non-stick cooking surface and adds a light, neutral flavor base.

Instructions for Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Step 1: Prepare Skillet

Grab a spacious oven-safe skillet and warm it over medium heat.

Lightly spritz the surface with a thin layer of avocado or olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown Meat and Onions

Tumble ground beef and finely chopped onions into the hot skillet.

Stir and cook the mixture, breaking up the meat as it sizzles.

Continue cooking until the beef turns completely brown and the onions become translucent and soft.

Step 3: Boost Flavor Profile

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and pour in salsa.

Thoroughly mix these ingredients, ensuring the meat gets completely coated with the zesty seasonings.

Step 4: Introduce Vegetable Medley

• Drained black beans
• Corn with its natural liquid
• Diced tomatoes with green chiles

Allow the mixture to simmer, letting the liquids reduce and flavors meld together for about 5-6 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Rice

Add prepared Mexican-style rice to the skillet.

Stir until the rice is evenly distributed throughout the meat and vegetable mixture.

Step 6: Cheese Topping

Generously sprinkle freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese across the top of the skillet.

Position the skillet on the middle rack of the oven and broil until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Decorate the dish with your favorite toppings.

Tips for Melty, Spiced Skillet Dishes

• Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease and ensure a cleaner, more flavorful dish.
• Use pre-cooked Mexican-style rice or quick-cooking rice to cut down preparation time without sacrificing taste.
• Shred cheese fresh for better melting and richer flavor; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
• Adjust taco seasoning intensity by using half a packet for milder flavor or adding extra for bolder taste.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian-friendly version that's equally delicious.

Taco Rice Variations for a New Twist

• Vegetarian Fiesta Skillet: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
• Chicken Taco Rice Bowl: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken strips for a lighter protein option.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Skillet: Use gluten-free taco seasoning and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Spicy Southwest Skillet: Add diced jalapeños, increase salsa heat level, or mix in chipotle peppers for extra kick and flavor complexity.

Serving Taco Rice Skillet Family Style

• Taco Rice Feast Station: Create a fun DIY topping bar with small bowls of chopped cilantro, diced avocados, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips so everyone can customize their skillet.
• Balanced Meal Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette or quick Mexican-style coleslaw to add freshness and balance the rich, cheesy skillet.
• Family-Style Sharing: Place the entire skillet in the center of the table and let everyone scoop directly from it, creating a casual and interactive dining experience that encourages conversation.
• Leftover Magic: Pack cooled portions in meal prep containers for next-day lunches, adding extra salsa or hot sauce to refresh the flavors and keep the dish exciting.

Storage for Taco Skillet Leftovers

• Store any remaining cheesy taco rice skillet in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled skillet contents to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months for a quick future meal. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed skillet contents in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.

FAQs

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Mexican-style rice is recommended, but you can also use white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative. The key is to have pre-cooked rice that’s ready to mix into the skillet.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Absolutely! Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning. You can also control spiciness by selecting a mild or spicy salsa. For extra kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check your taco seasoning and salsa labels to confirm. Use certified gluten-free versions of these ingredients to ensure the entire dish is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes!

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet: Batch Favorites

• Whip Up a Speedy Meal: This one-pan wonder comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner without complicated steps.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: The recipe offers endless topping possibilities, letting you personalize each serving with fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, or crunchy tortilla chips.
• Pack in Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with protein from ground beef, black beans, and rice, plus vegetables like corn and tomatoes, this skillet delivers a balanced, satisfying meal that keeps you full and energized.
• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Dish: The cheesy, zesty combination of taco seasoning, salsa, and melted Colby Jack cheese makes this skillet irresistible for both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates all around.

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet delivers Mexican-inspired comfort with bold spices and melted cheese. Rich layers of ground beef, fluffy rice, and zesty seasonings create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 8.5 ounces (241 grams) Ready Rice (Uncle Ben’s Spicy Mexican style recommended), prepared

Sauce & Vegetables:

• 1/2 cup prepared salsa (any non-chunky variety)
• 15 ounces (425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounces (425 grams) can sweet corn, undrained
• 10 ounces (283 grams) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained

Toppings:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded from block
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Sliced avocado, for serving
• Sour cream, for serving
• Crushed tortilla chips, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large oven-safe skillet by lightly spraying with oil and heating over medium temperature.
2. Brown ground beef with onions, stirring periodically, until meat loses pink color and onions become translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Incorporate taco seasoning and salsa, mixing thoroughly with the meat to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Add black beans, corn, and green chile tomatoes into the skillet, allowing ingredients to simmer and liquid to reduce for 5-6 minutes.
5. Integrate Mexican-style rice into the meat and vegetable mixture, ensuring complete and uniform distribution.
6. Generously sprinkle Colby Jack cheese across the skillet’s surface, then position under broiler for roughly 1 minute until cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
7. Plate the skillet and enhance with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that still provides robust flavor and keeps the dish lighter.
• Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice to create a low-carb version that maintains the same delicious taco-inspired taste profile.
• Adjust spice levels by selecting mild or hot taco seasoning based on your family’s heat tolerance, ensuring everyone enjoys the meal.
• Consider prepping ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time, making this a quick weeknight dinner solution.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg