Beef Taco Skillet with Rice is a quick, one-pan meal that combines seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and melty cheese for a bold and comforting dish the whole family will love. It’s a fun twist on taco night that’s easy to customize.
Author:Laura
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20–25 minutes
Total Time:30–35 minutes
Yield:4 to 6 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Mexican-Inspired
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
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 1/4 cups beef broth or water
2 tbsp taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, green onions
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in taco seasoning, uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce or salsa, and beef broth. Mix well.
Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18–20 minutes (or per rice type) until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally.
Remove from heat, sprinkle cheese evenly over the top, cover, and let sit for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted.
Garnish with desired toppings and serve warm.
Notes
Use pre-cooked rice for faster prep; reduce broth accordingly.
To prevent sticking, stir occasionally and maintain low heat while simmering.
Customize with corn, black beans, or bell peppers for extra texture.
For a low-carb version, substitute cauliflower rice and reduce broth slightly.