Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table in under 30 minutes. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its protein-packed ingredients like lean ground beef, black beans, and ooey-gooey cheese, this skillet recipe is sure to please everyone in the family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of taco seasoning, salsa, and cheese creates a deliciously rich flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Versatile Meal: Customize this dish with your favorite toppings or ingredients. It’s perfect for using up leftovers or adapting to dietary needs.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal! Everything cooks together in one skillet, making it convenient and hassle-free.
- Family-Friendly: With familiar flavors that kids love, this recipe is great for feeding the whole family without any complaints.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet
- Cooking spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
- Microwave (for the rice)
Importance of Each Tool
- Large oven-safe skillet: This allows you to cook all your ingredients in one pan and then broil the cheese right in it.
- Cooking spatula: A good spatula helps mix everything thoroughly while ensuring nothing sticks to the bottom of the skillet.
Ingredients
A quick and easy protein-packed Mexican skillet recipe made with lean ground beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion (diced)
- 3 tbsp taco seasoning
- ½ cup prepared salsa (storebought or homemade- any salsa that is not thick and chunky will work great here.)
- 15 oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 15 oz can sweet corn (not drained)
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chiles
- 8.5 oz bag Ready Rice (microwaved according to package directions- I used Uncle Ben’s Spicy Mexican style rice)
- 4 oz Colby Jack cheese (shredded from the block)
Optional Garnishes
- fresh cilantro
- sliced avocado
- sour cream
- crushed tortilla chips
How to Make Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Spray it with avocado oil spray (or olive oil).
Step 2: Cook Beef and Onions
Add the ground beef and diced onions to the skillet. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft.
Step 3: Preheat Oven
While cooking, preheat your oven to Broil. Adjust the rack to a middle setting.
Step 4: Add Seasoning
Sprinkle in taco seasoning along with the salsa. Stir well to combine all ingredients together.
Step 5: Incorporate Beans and Corn
Add the drained black beans, undrained corn, and undrained diced tomatoes into the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5-6 minutes until most liquid has cooked down.
Step 6: Mix in Rice
Now add your cooked rice to the mix. Stir well until all components are combined evenly. Top with shredded cheese.
Step 7: Broil Until Golden
Place your skillet under the broiler, keeping a close watch on it. Broil until the cheese is bubbly—this should take about a minute or so.
Garnish as desired before serving warm!
Enjoy your flavorful Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet!
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want it as a standalone meal or accompanied by delicious toppings, there are numerous serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Garnish with Fresh Ingredients
- Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of flavor and color.
- Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the spices in the dish.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can cool down the heat and add creaminess.
- Crushed Tortilla Chips: Add crunch by sprinkling crushed tortilla chips on top for texture.
Serve with Additional Sides
- Cornbread: Pairing with cornbread complements the flavors and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Tortillas: Serve warm tortillas on the side for scooping up the cheesy mixture.
- Salad: A light salad can refresh the palate and provide a nice contrast to the rich skillet.
Create a Taco Bar
- Build-Your-Own Tacos: Offer taco shells alongside the cheesy rice for guests to create their own tacos using the skillet mixture.
How to Perfect Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
To achieve the best results with your Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet, consider these helpful tips. Each one will help elevate your dish even further.
- Choose Lean Meat: Using lean ground beef reduces fat content while still providing rich flavor.
- Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust taco seasoning according to your taste preferences; use mild for less heat or spicy blends for a kick.
- Use Quality Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for better melting and flavor.
- Experiment with Beans: Try adding kidney beans or pinto beans for variety and added protein.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers or zucchini into the skillet for extra nutrients and texture.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking times to prevent overcooking the meat or vegetables, ensuring they remain tender.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
Accompanying your Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet with complementary side dishes can make your meal more enjoyable. Here are some great options:
- Guacamole: This creamy dip pairs wonderfully, adding richness and flavor contrast.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing side that combines sweet corn, lime, and spices, enhancing your meal’s overall taste.
- Refried Beans: Traditional refried beans provide a hearty complement to the cheesy skillet dish.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro brings brightness to each bite.
- Spanish Rice: Flavored rice is an excellent addition that ties in nicely with Mexican cuisine themes.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies such as zucchini or bell peppers offer a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the cheesiness of the main dish.
- Chips and Salsa: Simple yet effective; serve tortilla chips with fresh salsa as an appetizer before diving into your skillet creation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your cooking experience.
- Using Lean Ground Beef: Opting for fatty beef may lead to a greasy dish. Always choose lean ground beef for a healthier meal.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting to add taco seasoning can leave your dish bland. Make sure you mix in the seasoning thoroughly with the meat and veggies.
- Overcooking the Beans: Cooking black beans too long can make them mushy. Stir them in just before simmering to maintain their texture.
- Ignoring Cheese Quality: Using pre-shredded cheese may result in less flavor. Grate cheese from a block for a richer taste and better melting.
- Skipping Fresh Garnishes: Skipping garnishes like cilantro or avocado can reduce freshness. Always add garnishes just before serving for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short increments of 1-2 minutes, stirring between, until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet.
What is a Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet?
A Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a quick, protein-packed Mexican dish made with ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and topped with melted cheese.
Can I make Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How spicy is the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet?
The spice level depends on the taco seasoning used. You can adjust it by choosing mild or spicy versions based on your preference.
Can I customize the toppings for my Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet?
Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like jalapeños, olives, or even different types of cheese for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients and toppings, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this quick recipe a try and discover how easy it is to create a comforting meal that everyone will love!
Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a delicious and satisfying one-pan meal that brings the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine to your dinner table in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish features protein-rich ingredients like lean ground beef, black beans, and a generous amount of gooey cheese that everyone will love. The combination of savory taco seasoning and zesty salsa creates a rich flavor profile that makes this skillet recipe irresistible. Plus, with customizable toppings and minimal cleanup, it’s an ideal choice for families looking for a quick yet hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion (diced)
- 3 tbsp taco seasoning
- ½ cup prepared salsa
- 15 oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 15 oz can sweet corn (not drained)
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chiles
- 8.5 oz bag Ready Rice
- 4 oz Colby Jack cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat with avocado oil.
- Cook ground beef and diced onions until the meat is no longer pink.
- Preheat your oven to Broil.
- Stir in taco seasoning and salsa until well mixed.
- Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes; simmer until most liquid cooks down.
- Mix in cooked rice and top with shredded cheese.
- Broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the skillet (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
