Name: Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet: 5-Minute One-Pan Wonder
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (or ground turkey or diced chicken); 0.5 medium Onion, diced (or shallots for milder taste); 3 tbsp Taco Seasoning (store-bought or homemade); 0.5 cup Prepared Salsa (fresh or store-bought); 15 oz Black Beans, drained and rinsed (or pinto beans); 15 oz Sweet Corn, undrained (or frozen corn); 10 oz Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles, undrained (or fresh diced tomatoes); 8.5 oz Ready Rice, microwaved (or cooked long-grain/brown rice); 4 oz Colby Jack Cheese, shredded (shred from block for best melting); Fresh Cilantro; Sliced Avocado; Sour Cream; Crushed Tortilla Chips

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Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is my go-to recipe for busy weeknights. This quick and delicious one-pan dinner combines savory beef, zesty seasoning, and gooey cheese for a comforting meal that everyone in the family loves. It’s easy to whip up, requiring minimal cleanup and just 30 minutes from start to finish. You can even customize it to suit your taste, making it a versatile option for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Here are six reasons why you’ll fall in love:

Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy weeknights.
A delicious blend of flavors from the taco seasoning and salsa.
Customizable with your choice of protein or vegetarian options.
One-pan meal means less cleanup, more time to enjoy!
Offers a great way to use up leftovers.
This dish is gluten-free, accommodating diverse dietary needs.

Plus, you can easily transform this into a cheesy taco rice casserole or a cheesy taco flavored rice dish. It’s truly a versatile recipe!

Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Gather these items:

1 lb Lean Ground Beef (or ground turkey or diced chicken)
0.5 medium Onion, diced (or shallots for milder taste)
3 tbsp Taco Seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
0.5 cup Prepared Salsa (fresh or store-bought)
15 oz Black Beans, drained and rinsed (or pinto beans)
15 oz Sweet Corn, undrained (or frozen corn)
10 oz Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles, undrained (or fresh diced tomatoes)
8.5 oz Ready Rice, microwaved (or cooked long-grain/brown rice)
4 oz Colby Jack Cheese, shredded (shred from block for best melting)
Fresh Cilantro
Sliced Avocado
Sour Cream
Crushed Tortilla Chips

How to Make Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet Step-by-Step

Step 1: Start by heating a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Lightly spray it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Add the lean ground beef and diced onions to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning and prepared salsa, mixing well into the beef and onion mixture.
Step 4: Add the drained black beans, undrained sweet corn, and undrained diced tomatoes and green chiles. Allow to simmer for 5-6 minutes.
Step 5: Incorporate the microwaved rice and top with shredded Colby Jack cheese.
Step 6: Place the skillet on the middle rack of your oven and broil until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden, about 1 minute.
Step 7: Remove from oven and garnish with toppings like cilantro, avocado, sour cream, or tortilla chips.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Keep these in mind:

For a vegetarian cheesy taco rice recipe, swap the beef for extra beans or lentils.
Use homemade taco seasoning for a fresher flavor.
Shred cheese from a block for better melting and flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can also:

Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Top with additional cheese or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Pair with tortilla chips for added crunch.

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through. This dish is also great for cheesy taco rice meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

What is cheesy taco rice skillet?

The cheesy taco rice skillet is a one-pan meal that combines seasoned meat, rice, beans, and cheese, creating a hearty and flavorful dish.

Can I make cheesy taco rice skillet ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients ahead and assemble them before broiling for a quick dinner. It’s perfect for quick taco rice skillet dinner!

How do I avoid common mistakes with cheesy taco rice skillet?

Ensure you don’t overcook the beef or let the cheese burn while broiling. Keep an eye on it as it cooks for the best results!

Variations of Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Cheesy taco rice with chicken: Use diced chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Spicy cheesy taco rice dish: Add more chili or hot sauce for a fiery flavor.
Cheesy taco rice with corn and peppers: Toss in some bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.
Healthy cheesy taco rice options: Opt for brown rice and leaner proteins to make it healthier.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Creamy Potato Soup for a comforting meal.

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet: 5-Minute One-Pan Wonder - Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet - additional detail

For more information on the nutritional benefits of beans, you can visit Healthline.