Beef Taco Skillet Recipe With Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Beef Taco Skillet because it’s fast, flavorful, and made with simple pantry ingredients. Everything cooks in one pan, which means minimal cleanup. It’s a fun twist on taco night that’s budget-friendly, hearty, and endlessly customizable. Whether you serve it in bowls, stuff it in tortillas, or top it with your favorite fixings, it’s a guaranteed hit for any night of the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Uncooked white or brown rice
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• Tomato sauce or salsa
• Beef broth or water
• Taco seasoning
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, green onions

Directions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in taco seasoning, rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce or salsa, and beef broth. Mix well to combine.
5. Bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover.
6. Cook for 18–20 minutes (or according to your rice type), stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
7. Remove from heat and sprinkle cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.
8. Garnish with desired toppings and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add jalapeños, hot salsa, or red pepper flakes to kick up the heat.
• Veggie Add-In: Stir in corn, black beans, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice for cauliflower rice and reduce liquid slightly.
• Cheesy Taco Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for a cheesy crust.
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Use a leaner meat option for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low with a splash of broth or water.
• Microwave: Warm in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

To freeze:

• Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, but reduce the broth by half and simmer for less time—just long enough to heat through and let flavors combine.

What kind of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice is ideal. Brown rice works too, but may require longer cooking and extra liquid.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the beef with black beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a shredded Mexican blend all melt well and complement the taco flavors.

Do I need to cover the skillet while cooking?

Yes, covering helps the rice cook evenly and retain moisture.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, it reheats well and is great for meal prep. Store in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners.

What’s a good side for this dish?

A side salad, chips and guacamole, or Mexican street corn are great pairings.

How do I keep the rice from sticking to the pan?

Stir occasionally while simmering and make sure the heat is low enough to prevent burning.

Can I add beans to this?

Yes, black beans or pinto beans are a great addition. Add them with the tomatoes.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your taco seasoning and broth are gluten-free, this dish is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

Beef Taco Skillet with Rice is a quick, hearty, and flavorful dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week. With bold taco flavors, cheesy comfort, and easy cleanup, it’s a one-pan wonder you’ll want to make again and again. Customize it to fit your taste, top it with your favorites, and enjoy a meal that satisfies every time.

Beef Taco Skillet Recipe With Rice

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Beef Taco Skillet with Rice is a quick and easy one-pan meal made with seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and melty cheese. It’s a hearty, family-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce or salsa
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in taco seasoning, uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce or salsa, and beef broth. Mix well.
5. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18–20 minutes (or according to rice package directions), stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.
7. Garnish with desired toppings and serve hot.

Notes

• Use pre-cooked rice to reduce cooking time—just reduce broth by half.
• Customize with beans, corn, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Great as a filling for burritos or tacos.
• Reheats well and works for meal prep.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg