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Easy Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet (One-Pan, 20-Min Meal)

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A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, this budget-friendly comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85/20 or 90/10)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 tablespoons homemade)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), undrained
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, green onions

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns. Spoon out excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon behind.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the seasoning and tomatoes: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and onions. Stir well. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 1 minute.
  4. Add the rice and broth: Pour in uncooked rice and beef broth. Stir until evenly distributed. Bring to a gentle boil. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  5. Simmer and cover: Reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. Check the rice: Remove lid carefully. Fluff rice with a fork. If still firm, add 2-3 tablespoons water, re-cover, and cook for 3 more minutes.
  7. Add the cheese: Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top. Do not stir. Cover and let sit off heat for 2 to 3 minutes until melted. Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes for a browned top.
  8. Serve and garnish: Scoop into bowls and top with desired garnishes like cilantro, avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, or lime.

Notes

Don’t lift the lid during simmering to ensure proper rice cooking. Grate your own cheese for best melting. For extra flavor, toast the dry rice in the skillet for 1-2 minutes before adding liquid. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco rice skillet, one-pan meal, easy dinner, cheesy rice, ground beef recipe, 20-minute meal, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/easy-cheesy-taco-rice-skillet-one-pan-20-min-meal/