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Quick Cheesy Beef Taco Rice Skillet

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A fast, flavorful, and fuss-free skillet meal combining seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 cup white long-grain rice (190 g)
  • 2 cups beef broth (475 ml), low sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (150 g), sharp cheddar or Mexican blend
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, careful not to burn.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink and starting to brown. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons taco seasoning over the beef and stir well to coat evenly.
  5. Add 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice, 2 cups beef broth, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including juices). Stir to combine.
  6. Increase heat slightly until bubbles form around edges, then reduce to low and cover with a lid.
  7. Simmer gently for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. Check rice after 20 minutes; if firm, cover and cook an additional 2-3 minutes. If excess liquid remains, leave lid off for a few minutes to evaporate.
  9. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover and let cheese melt for 3-5 minutes.
  10. Once cheese is melted, fluff rice lightly with a fork and add optional toppings before serving.

Notes

Keep the lid on while cooking rice to ensure fluffy grains. Avoid stirring rice during cooking to prevent mushiness. Use a good quality shredded cheese for better melting. Adjust salt carefully as taco seasoning and broth add saltiness. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken. Brown rice can be used but requires longer cooking time (40-45 minutes).

Nutrition

Keywords: quick dinner, cheesy beef skillet, taco rice, weeknight meal, easy recipe, ground beef, one-pan meal

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/quick-cheesy-beef-taco-rice-skillet-recipe-for-easy-weeknight-dinners/