Description
This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a flavorful and comforting one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is cooked with onions and taco seasoning, then combined with beans, corn, tomatoes, and rice before being topped with melted Colby Jack cheese. Finished under the broiler, this dish offers a melty, cheesy crust and can be garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips for a fun Tex-Mex twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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)
Toppings
- Fresh Cilantro
- Sliced Avocado
- Sour Cream
- Crushed Tortilla Chips
Instructions
- Heat Skillet: Start by heating a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: Add the lean ground beef and diced onions to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions have softened, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Seasoning and Salsa: Stir in the taco seasoning and prepared salsa, making sure to evenly mix them into the beef and onion mixture for bold flavor.
- Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes: Add the drained black beans, undrained sweet corn, and undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-6 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Incorporate Rice and Cheese: Stir in the microwaved ready rice until well combined. Then, evenly top the mixture with shredded Colby Jack cheese.
- Broil the Skillet: Place the skillet on the middle rack of your oven and broil it until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden, about 1 minute. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips as desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute lean ground turkey or diced chicken for the beef for a lighter version.
- Use store-bought or homemade taco seasoning to control sodium and spice levels.
- If you don’t have ready rice, cook long-grain or brown rice in advance.
- Broil the cheese carefully as it can burn quickly in under a minute.
- Customize toppings to your preference, such as adding jalapeños or diced onions.
