If you’re craving something easy, hearty, and bursting with bold flavors, this Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. Combining savory ground beef, tender rice, vibrant tomatoes, and melty cheese all in one skillet, this dish offers a satisfying mix of textures and colors that will please the whole family. The warm spices and fresh cilantro bring a touch of authentic Mexican flair, making it comforting and exciting at the same time. It’s not just delicious—this recipe is a perfect weeknight meal because it’s fast, fuss-free, and endlessly flexible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed experience. Each item has a purpose—from the savory ground beef providing richness to the bright, slightly spicy tomatoes adding depth. The rice absorbs all the wonderful juices, making it soft and fluffy, while the cheese brings that irresistible, gooey finish.
- 1 lb. Lean Ground Beef (85% lean): Gives the dish its meaty, hearty base without being too greasy.
- 1 large Onion (finely diced): Adds sweetness and texture that balances the spices perfectly.
- 1 Jalapeno (diced, OPTIONAL): Brings a gentle heat that livens up the entire skillet.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of every ingredient.
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- 3 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning: Packs the signature Mexican spice that makes this recipe shine.
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Infuses a mild garlicky undertone without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel Tomatoes (with green chilies or petite diced tomatoes): Integrates tanginess and a little heat for complexity.
- 1 (8-ounce) can Tomato Sauce: Creates a rich, saucy base that binds everything together.
- 1 1/2 cups Beef Broth: Moistens the rice and beef, adding savory depth.
- 1 cup Uncooked Rice: The star carbohydrate that absorbs all the flavors and makes the dish filling.
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese or Mexican Cheese blend (shredded): Melts into cheesy goodness for that luscious finish.
- Cilantro (chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness just before serving.
How to Make Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Skillet
Start by heating a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. This gives you an ideal surface to brown the beef evenly and cook all ingredients together later without crowding.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Aromatics
Add the ground beef, diced onion, jalapeno (if using), salt, and pepper to the hot skillet. Cook everything until the beef is browned and the onions become tender and translucent. This step gives you all those irresistible caramelized flavors that are the backbone of the dish. Drain any excess grease to keep it from getting oily.
Step 3: Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and garlic powder, stirring well to coat the beef mixture evenly. This step injects that unmistakable Mexican flavor profile that elevates the entire skillet.
Step 4: Combine the Sauces and Rice
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, and uncooked rice. Make sure the rice is fully submerged under the liquid to ensure it cooks perfectly. This flavorful broth will seep into the rice and ground beef, melding everything together beautifully.
Step 5: Simmer and Cook the Rice
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, giving the rice time to absorb all those delicious juices and soften completely.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Once the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt into a melty blanket that pulls at every bite.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Cilantro and Serve
After the cheese has melted, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped cilantro for a bright, herbal punch that contrasts perfectly with the richness of the skillet.
How to Serve Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings like sour cream, sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or extra jalapenos amp up the enjoyment. Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice brightens the flavors and adds that authentic Mexican touch.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs beautifully with simple sides such as warm tortilla chips, a crisp green salad, or even refried beans to keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the taco rice skillet alongside soft flour tortillas for taco bowls or stuff warm tortillas with it to make quick, delicious burritos. You can also scoop it onto tostadas or spoon it over baked potatoes as a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will intensify, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe by keeping it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave with a damp paper towel covered on top to keep the rice moist and the cheese melty.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Absolutely! However, brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the simmer time and possibly add more liquid to ensure it cooks through.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe?
Yes! Swap out the ground beef for beans or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian-friendly option.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
For more heat, add extra jalapenos, use a spicier taco seasoning, or toss in some crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
What type of cheese works best for melting?
Cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend work beautifully because they melt smoothly and complement the flavors of the skillet perfectly.
Is it possible to cook this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, but cooking times will vary. Brown the beef and sauté onions first, then combine with all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until rice is tender.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe is truly a weeknight hero—simple enough to whip up after a busy day yet packed with so much flavor it feels like a special occasion. Whether you are feeding a crowd or just yourself, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that never disappoints. Give it a try and prepare to have a new favorite in your dinner rotation!
Print
Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Mexican Taco Rice Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, rice, and a blend of tomatoes and spices, topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. Lean Ground Beef (85% lean)
- 1 large Onion (finely diced)
- 1 Jalapeno (diced, OPTIONAL)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 3 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel Tomatoes (with green chilies or petite diced tomatoes)
- 1 (8-ounce) can Tomato Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Beef Broth
- 1 cup Uncooked Rice
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese or Mexican Cheese blend (shredded)
- Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Skillet: Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat to get it warm for sautéing the ingredients.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef, finely diced onion, and diced jalapeno (if using) to the skillet along with salt and pepper. Brown the beef thoroughly while softening the onions. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the taco seasoning and garlic powder evenly, coating the beef mixture to infuse it with rich Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, and uncooked rice. Make sure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid to ensure even cooking.
- Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Melt Cheese: Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt for a few minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, sliced avocado, or extra jalapenos.
Notes
- Using 85% lean ground beef strikes a good balance between flavor and fat content. You can substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno according to your spice preference, or omit for a milder dish.
- Make sure to cover the skillet tightly during simmering to trap steam and cook the rice properly.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving.
