Can I make this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet ahead of time?

Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, and top with fresh garnishes when serving. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply swap the ground beef with plant-based meat or extra beans. You can also add more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to keep it hearty and satisfying without the meat.

Is the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check that the taco seasoning and salsa you use don't contain any hidden gluten. You can easily substitute with gluten-free alternatives for any ingredient if needed.

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet: The Ultimate One-Pan Meal

Description

The Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal, packed with lean ground beef, black beans, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, and topped with gooey, melted cheese. It’s the perfect dish for taco night or any night you need a comforting, protein-packed dinner in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb lean ground beef
½ medium onion, diced
3 tbsp taco seasoning
½ cup prepared salsa
15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz can sweet corn (undrained)
10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chilies
8.5 oz bag ready rice, cooked (spicy Mexican-style recommended)
4 oz Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips

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Instructions

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Add the ground beef and onions, cooking until browned and the onions are softened.
Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa, then add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing most of the liquid to cook off.
Stir in the cooked rice, mixing well, then top with shredded cheese.
Broil under a preheated broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 1-2 minutes.
Garnish with cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, and tortilla chips before serving.

Notes

Grate your own cheese for the best melt and texture.
If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and broil there.
Feel free to add diced bell peppers or minced garlic for extra flavor.
Adjust the spice level by using hot salsa or adding jalapeños.
For a lower-carb option, substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop and Broil
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 399 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 762 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 8 g
Protein: 29 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg