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Skillet Taco Rice Recipe

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4.2 from 9 reviews

A delicious and easy one-pan skillet taco rice recipe combining seasoned ground beef, rice, and salsa, topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner with optional toppings to customize each serving.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (1-ounce) package taco seasoning
  • 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 1/4 cups salsa
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro

Optional Toppings

  • Diced tomatoes
  • Avocado
  • Sour cream
  • Green onion
  • Tortilla strips

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil and cook onion: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Brown ground beef and add garlic: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add seasoning, rice, broth, and salsa; simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning, uncooked rice, chicken broth, and salsa. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Add cheese and cilantro: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro over the cooked rice mixture. Stir gently to combine. Remove the skillet from heat, cover it again, and let it sit for 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt fully.
  5. Serve with optional toppings: Season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with optional diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, green onions, and tortilla strips according to taste.

Notes

  • Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet for even cooking and to prevent sticking.
  • Stir occasionally during simmering to keep rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • Adjust seasoning and toppings to your preference for added flavor and texture.
  • Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for lean ground beef for a lighter option.
  • Ensure the skillet is covered properly to allow rice to cook evenly and absorb the liquid fully.