Taco Rice Skillet

This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is made in just 30 minutes and is a one-skillet wonder that the whole family will love. With simple ingredients like ground beef, rice, and diced tomatoes this is a meal you will end up having again and again!

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Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Out of all of the weeknight dinners meals skillet meals are the best in my opinion. A good skillet meal is:

• easy to prep and generally quick to cook
• a one-dish meal, meaning no need for too many extra sides (and less dishes)
• family friendly

What isn’t to love about that list!?

This recipe for taco rice skillet is no exception. Maybe the most annoying part is that because there is rice in this one is takes *a few more minutes* BUT we are still in the amazing zone of it being ready to go in 30 minutes.

And this one is easy, honestly so easy I could probably give the directions to my 7 year old and he could make it on his own.

It also goes great with so many sides like Instant Pot Black Beans and Cottage Cheese Queso.

I know this one has reached full meal rotation with my family and I know that everyone will eat it and be full and satisfied. I hope your family loves it as much as mine does!

ingredients

• Ground Beef – For this recipe you can use whatever percentage of fat for your ground beef, you have the option to drain the skillet before adding the rice and tomatoes if you find that there is too much liquid after browning the beef.
• Yellow Onion – An onion to help with the flavor of the meal, and pretty much the only prep needed. Diced is great but if you have little kids who hate onions you can try mincing it really small so they don’t notice.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes – No need to drain the liquid for these. If you prefer you can use petite diced tomatoes.
• White Rice – I prefer to use a long grain but any kind of white rice will work. Please note that you can’t substitute brown rice because the cooking times are drastically different.
• Taco Seasoning – A packet of taco seasoning works here but I highly suggest checking out my recipe for Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – If you like your cheese really melty buy a block of cheese and shred to yourself. The preservatives that come of pre-shredded cheese tend to stop the cheese from melting.
• Shredded Lettuce – For topping, you can use the lettuce your family like the best. I tend to use romaine in this dish but iceberg or a spring mix can work just as well.
• Sour Cream – For serving.

For a complete detailed list of the ingredients continue towards the bottom of the page.

instructions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat brown the beef and onion until little pink remains, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any extra liquid.

Add the diced tomatoes, rice, taco seasoning, and 1 ½ cup water to the skillet. Mix well. Cover. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes, stirring once in the middle of cooking.

Stir the skillet well and then top with the shredded cheese. Cover with the lid for 1-2 miutes to get the cheese nice and melted. For serving top with lettuce & sour cream or any other garnsihes you enjoy! 

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