Easy One-Pan Taco Rice Skillet

If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s not only crazy delicious but also super easy to make, you’ve just struck gold! This One-Pan Taco Rice Skillet is packed with bold, zesty flavors, plenty of texture, and a whole lot of comfort. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to grab a big spoon and dig right in! The best part? It all comes together in just one skillet, meaning fewer dishes and more time to kick back and relax. Who doesn’t love that?

Whether you’re whipping this up for a busy weeknight dinner or making a big batch for meal prep, this dish is sure to be a hit. The juicy ground beef, tender rice, hearty beans, and cheesy goodness make every bite a fiesta of flavor. And with endless topping possibilities, you can customize it just the way you like. Let’s dive in and get cooking! 🌮✨

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup white or brown rice, uncooked
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 packet (or 2 tbsp) taco seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your favorite!)

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Sour cream
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges

How to Make It

1. Cook the Beef & Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, go ahead and drain it. Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently. Let them cook until the onions become soft and translucent—about 2 minutes. The garlic will start to smell amazing!

2. Add the Rice & Seasoning: Sprinkle in the uncooked rice, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, making sure the rice is evenly coated with all those delicious spices. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Toasting the rice at this stage helps enhance its flavor and prevents it from getting mushy later.

3. Mix in the Good Stuff: Now, it’s time to add in the black beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), broth, and corn. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

4. Simmer & Cook: Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer. Set a timer for 20 minutes and resist the urge to lift the lid—keeping the steam trapped inside helps the rice cook perfectly! Check after 20 minutes and give it a stir. If the rice isn’t quite tender yet, cover and cook for an extra 3-5 minutes, adding a splash of broth if needed.

5. Cheese It Up! When the rice is fully cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top. Cover again and let it melt for 2-3 minutes until gooey and irresistible.

6. Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat, uncover, and get ready to load it up with your favorite toppings. A squeeze of fresh lime juice, a dollop of sour cream, or some creamy avocado slices can take it to the next level! Serve warm and enjoy every flavorful bite. 🌮🥄

Tips & Tricks

✅ Rice Matters: White rice cooks faster, but brown rice adds extra fiber—just increase the broth and simmer time!
✅ Make It Spicy: Add diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
✅ Meal Prep Win: This dish stores well! Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✅ Freezer-Friendly: Let it cool completely, then freeze in portion-sized containers for an easy grab-and-go meal.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat for extra beans or plant-based crumbles.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute cauliflower rice and reduce the broth slightly.
• Chicken Twist: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ One Pan = Easy Cleanup!
✔ Loaded with Flavor & Protein
✔ Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing
✔ Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Pro Tip for Pinterest 📌

Save this recipe for later! It’s a total weeknight dinner lifesaver—quick, hearty, and delicious. Don’t forget to pin it with #OnePotMeals #TacoTuesday #EasyDinners!