Easy Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet in 30 Minutes!
The Secret to the Easiest Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet You’ll Ever Make
If you’re looking for a meal that packs a punch in flavor and can be whipped up in no time, this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is your answer. With its zesty taco seasoning, tender ground beef, and gooey melted cheese, every bite feels like a fiesta in your mouth. Plus, it’s loaded with protein and ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you have unexpected guests.
This dish isn’t just quick; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro or creamy avocado slices. The combination of black beans and corn adds texture and richness that will leave everyone raving about your cooking skills.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
– Quick to prepare: Done in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
– One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup since everything cooks in a single skillet.
– Protein-packed: Loaded with lean ground beef and beans for a satisfying meal.
– Versatile toppings: Customize with avocado, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.
– Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into cooking this delicious dish, gather these essential tools:
– Large oven-safe skillet: Perfect for cooking and broiling all in one pan.
– Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching your skillet.
– Measuring spoons: Ensure precise measurements of taco seasoning and salsa.
– Can opener: Necessary for easily opening canned ingredients like beans and tomatoes.
Preparation Tips
For the best results with your Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet, be sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly for added flavor. Don’t skip draining the black beans to prevent excess liquid in your dish. If you prefer more heat, consider adding jalapeños or using a spicier salsa.
Ingredients for this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
– 1 lb lean ground beef
– ½ medium onion (diced)
– 3 tbsp taco seasoning
– ½ cup prepared salsa (storebought or homemade)
– 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)
– 4 oz Colby Jack cheese (shredded from the block)
– optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips
Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
Are you ready for a delightful and hearty meal that comes together in just under 30 minutes? This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrients. With lean ground beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and gooey shredded cheese, this dish brings the fiesta right to your dinner table. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions so you can whip this up in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onions
Begin by heating a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, give it a light spray with avocado oil or olive oil to prevent sticking. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef along with half a diced medium onion to the skillet. Cook these together for about 8-10 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the onions have softened beautifully. This initial step creates a savory base for all the flavors to come.
Step 2: Season It Up
Once your meat and onions are cooked through, it’s time to add some spice! Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning and pour in half a cup of prepared salsa. Stir everything together until well combined. The aroma from the spices will be irresistible! This is where your skillet starts transforming into a flavorful taco-inspired dish that everyone will love.
Step 3: Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes
Now it’s time to bulk up your skillet with some nutritious additions. Pour in a 15 oz can of black beans (drained and rinsed), a 15 oz can of sweet corn (don’t drain this one!), and a 10 oz can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Stir everything thoroughly and let it simmer for about 5-6 minutes. You want most of the liquid to cook down while all those wonderful flavors meld together.
Step 4: Incorporate the Rice
After your mixture has simmered nicely, it’s time to bring in the rice! Take an 8.5 oz bag of Ready Rice (I recommend Uncle Ben’s Spicy Mexican style rice for an extra kick) that you’ve microwaved according to package directions. Add this fluffy goodness into your skillet and stir well to combine everything evenly—this will make every bite bursting with deliciousness.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
What’s a taco dish without cheese? Sprinkle 4 oz of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top of your skillet mixture. The cheesy layer is what makes this dish truly comforting! Now, preheat your oven to Broil with the rack set in the middle position.
Step 6: Broil to Perfection
Place your skillet under the broiler for just about a minute or until the cheese is bubbly and melted—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! This step adds an irresistible golden crust that will have everyone rushing to serve themselves.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet sit for just a moment before serving. It pairs wonderfully with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, or even crushed tortilla chips for some extra crunch. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is incredibly versatile! Feel free to swap out lean ground beef for ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles if you’re looking for meatless options. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition. To elevate the flavor even further, consider adding some lime juice or fresh jalapeños for that extra zing!
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
– Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge.
– Overcooking garlic; it should be fragrant but not browned.
– Not draining canned beans properly before adding.
– Skipping preheating your broiler; this can affect how well the cheese melts.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers (which you probably won’t because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until warmed through. You can also freeze leftovers; just be sure they cool completely before transferring them into freezer-safe containers.
Estimated Nutrition
– Calories: 399 kcal
– Protein: 29 g
– Fat: 12 g
– Carbs: 45 g
– Fiber: 8 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of Ready Rice?
Absolutely! If you prefer brown rice, just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to your skillet as it takes longer than white rice.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes! You can substitute ground beef with lentils or any plant-based protein alternative that’s available at your local grocery store.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you choose and whether you opt for mild or spicy salsa. Adjust according to your preference!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all components ahead of time and assemble them when you’re ready to cook or serve.
What other toppings do you recommend?
In addition to cilantro and avocado, feel free to get creative with toppings like pickled onions, jalapeños, or even shredded lettuce for added freshness!
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited as I am about trying out this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and let me know how yours turns out—I’m eager to hear about your delicious creations!
Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Spray with oil, add ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 8-10 minutes until beef is no longer pink and onions are softened.
- Add taco seasoning and salsa to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
- Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir and let simmer for 5-6 minutes.
- Incorporate microwaved Ready Rice into the skillet and stir well.
- Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top.
- Broil in the oven for about a minute until cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Let sit for a moment before serving with optional garnishes.
