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
Scale
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.
