Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

$- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed - 1 lb ground turkey or beef - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies - 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned) - 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro and sour cream for garnish When I make Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet, I love the mix of simple and fun flavors. The main ingredients create a solid base for the dish. The rice soaks up all the tasty juices, making every bite a joy. I start with long-grain white rice, which cooks perfectly in the skillet. Next, I choose ground turkey or beef for the protein. Both options add rich flavor, and they cook quickly. The diced onion adds sweetness, while minced garlic gives depth. I always use a packet of taco seasoning to bring that classic taste. Canned ingredients are key. Black beans add protein and fiber. Diced tomatoes with green chilies bring in a little heat. I always use chicken or vegetable broth for moisture and flavor. For extra texture and taste, I add corn. It can be frozen or canned, so it’s easy to find. When it comes to cheese, I use shredded cheddar. It melts beautifully and makes the dish creamy. I finish with olive oil for cooking, plus salt and pepper to taste. Fresh cilantro and sour cream are perfect for garnish. They add a fresh touch and balance the flavors. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the rice, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. - Heat the skillet: Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. - Sauté the onion and garlic: Cook until the onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant. - Brown the meat: Add ground turkey or beef, cooking until browned. - Add seasoning and liquids: Stir in taco seasoning, broth, and rice; bring to a boil. - Add remaining ingredients: Incorporate black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn; cover and simmer. - Finish it off: Top with cheddar cheese, cover, and melt. I love how easy this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is to make. You start by rinsing the rice, which removes excess starch. This helps the rice cook evenly and stay fluffy. Next, you’ll want to dice the onion and mince the garlic. These two ingredients add great flavor to the dish. Once your prep is done, heat the olive oil in your skillet. You want it hot but not smoking. Then, sauté the diced onion until it turns translucent. This usually takes about three to four minutes. Once the onion softens, add the minced garlic. Cook it for about a minute until it smells amazing. Next, it’s time for the ground turkey or beef. Add it to the skillet and break it apart. You want to cook it until it's nicely browned. This step adds depth to the flavor and makes the meat tender. Now, sprinkle in the taco seasoning. This is where the magic happens! Stir it well to coat the meat. Cook for another minute to let those spices bloom. After that, pour in your broth and add the rinsed rice. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil. When you see bubbles, reduce the heat and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the broth. After 15 minutes, lift the lid and add black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn. Stir well to combine all those colorful ingredients. Now, the last step is to sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for five more minutes. This melts the cheese perfectly and adds a creamy texture. Once done, season with salt and pepper to taste. You can garnish with fresh cilantro, which adds a nice pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your cheesy, flavorful meal! - Ensure meat is fully browned before adding spices. This step builds flavor. - Adjust cooking time based on the type of rice used. Long-grain rice cooks differently than short-grain. - You can swap ground turkey or beef for chicken. Plant-based options like lentils also work well. - Try different cheeses, like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor. - Serve directly from the skillet for a casual meal. This adds to the fun! - Garnish with sour cream and cilantro for a fresh look and taste. It makes the dish pop! Pro Tips Perfect Rice Texture: To ensure your rice is cooked perfectly, avoid lifting the lid while it simmers. This helps retain steam and guarantees fluffy rice. Meat Alternatives: For a healthier option, use ground chicken or a plant-based meat substitute. Both options work well and maintain great flavor. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for added flavor and a bit of heat to your dish. Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! Make a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for future meals. {{image_2}} You can change this dish to a vegetarian meal easily. Swap the meat for more beans or lentils. This keeps the protein but adds more fiber. Also, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This makes sure your dish stays rich in flavor. If you like heat, you can add jalapeños or hot sauce. These give an extra kick that many enjoy. Using spicy taco seasoning will also boost the heat. Just remember to taste as you go, so it’s just right for you. You can make this a heartier meal by adding more veggies. Try bell peppers or zucchini for a fresh touch. Mixing in cooked quinoa or farro can also add texture. This makes it filling and nutritious, perfect for any family dinner. To store leftovers, use airtight containers. This keeps the food fresh and safe. The Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet lasts up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to cool it before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup, keeping it tasty. You can freeze this dish for later meals. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. It will stay good for about three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet over low heat for best results. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Prepping ahead makes cooking easier. Chop the onion and mince the garlic in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. You can also cook and season rice ahead of time. Keep it sealed in the fridge for quick meals later. This way, your Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet comes together in no time! Yes, you can! Feel free to try other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack. These cheeses melt well and add great flavor. If you like sharp tastes, use gouda or even feta. Each cheese brings its own twist, so mix it up! To make it healthier, use lean turkey or chicken. You can also reduce cheese to cut calories. Add more veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients. Use brown rice instead of white rice for more fiber. These small changes can make a big difference! Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time. Cook the dish and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry. Enjoy a quick meal anytime! This blog post shares a simple, tasty recipe for Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet. You learned about the key ingredients, easy cooking steps, and clever tips. We also explored fun variations and storage options. Now you can enjoy a warm, filling meal any day of the week. Try it out, and make this dish your own! It’s easy to tweak, and perfect for busy nights. Happy cooking!$

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

A delicious one-skillet meal featuring cheesy rice, ground turkey or beef, and a blend of taco flavors.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
1 lb ground turkey or beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning
1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
to taste fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
to serve sour cream

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add minced garlic and ground turkey (or beef) to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to break apart the meat.
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, stirring to coat the meat evenly. Cook for another minute to let the spices become fragrant.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the rinsed rice. Stir well, bringing everything to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice absorbs most of the liquid.
After 15 minutes, carefully lift the lid and stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn kernels.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and everything is heated through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Serve directly from the skillet for a family-style meal. Top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream and additional cilantro for a pop of freshness.

Keyword cheesy, one-pot, rice, skillet, taco