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Skillet Taco Rice Recipe

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4.2 from 14 reviews

This Skillet Taco Rice is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is cooked with onions and garlic, then simmered with rice, chicken broth, salsa, and taco seasoning until tender. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, this dish delivers a comforting, cheesy, and savory Mexican-inspired flavor without the fuss of multiple pots or ovens. Customize with your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or tortilla strips for extra texture and freshness.

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

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 the olive oil and cook onions: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Brown the ground beef and add garlic: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add seasoning, rice, broth, and salsa, then simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, 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, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
  4. Add cheese and cilantro, then let rest: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro into the skillet and stir to combine. Remove from heat, cover, and allow the dish to rest for 2 minutes to melt the cheese and let flavors meld.
  5. Serve with desired toppings: Season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, topped with your choice of diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, green onions, or crunchy tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.

Notes

  • For best results, use a heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent burning.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef for a lighter option.
  • Use low sodium chicken broth to control the salt content if preferred.
  • Adding toppings is optional but enhances texture and flavor.