Description
This Taco Rice Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is cooked with aromatic spices, mixed with rice, broth, tomatoes with green chilies, and optionally black beans, then simmered until tender. Topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro, it can be served with creamy sour cream and diced avocado for a satisfying Tex-Mex inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Rice and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 1 ¾ cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- ¼ cup sour cream (for serving, optional)
- ¼ cup diced avocado (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the Onion and Garlic: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the Spices: Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until the spices become fragrant.
- Add Rice, Broth, and Tomatoes: Stir in the uncooked rice, broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and black beans if using. Mix well.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover with a lid for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream and diced avocado, if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice but expect a longer simmering time (around 40-45 minutes).
- Black beans are optional and can be omitted or replaced with corn for added sweetness.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder to suit your taste.
