Name: Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup white rice, uncooked; 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies; 2 1/2 cups beef broth; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 cup corn; 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded; Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, avocado, lime wedges

If you’re craving a fast, flavor-packed dinner that doesn’t leave a mountain of dishes, this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is your new weeknight hero. It combines all the zesty joy of taco night with the hearty satisfaction of a cheesy rice casserole—all cooked in one skillet. Perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender rice, creamy cheese, and vibrant toppings make this dish a family favorite.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just need something quick and comforting, this skillet delivers every time. It’s endlessly customizable, budget-friendly, and ready in 30 minutes flat. Plus, the leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option too.

What Kind of Rice Works Best in a Taco Skillet?

For the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet, long grain white rice or jasmine rice work beautifully because they stay fluffy without becoming sticky. If you’re using brown rice, pre-cook it since it takes longer. Want even faster prep? Use pre-cooked microwaveable rice pouches.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
2 1/2 cups beef broth
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, avocado, lime wedges

How To Make the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Add Rice and Seasoning

Stir in the uncooked rice, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, and beef broth. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Make It Cheesy

Remove lid and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve hot, straight from the skillet.

How to Serve and Store Your Taco Skillet Masterpiece

Serve the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet straight from the pan with toppings like sour cream, avocado, or a squeeze of lime. It’s a satisfying one-pan meal on its own, but also plays well with tortilla chips, a side of guacamole, or a fresh salad.

For storage, cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second bursts or warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a leaner version and still tastes delicious.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, swap the beef for black beans or plant-based crumbles and use veggie broth instead of beef broth.

Is this spicy?

The heat comes from the diced tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning. Choose mild versions if you prefer it milder.

Can I freeze it?

This skillet freezes well. Let it cool, pack into a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, but pepper jack or a Mexican blend add a great kick too.

Want More One-Pan Dinner Ideas?

If you’re into cheesy, comforting skillet dinners, you’ll love these recipes too:

One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles for a buttery, family-friendly option.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for garlic lovers who need quick comfort.
Taco Spaghetti Casserole if you’re craving a pasta twist on taco night.
Mexican Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet for a low-carb taco fix.
The Ultimate Taco Casserole for a baked, hearty version of this skillet.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s right there when weeknight chaos hits.

If you make this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet, drop a comment and let me know! Did you spice it up with jalapeños? Or maybe sneak in some black beans or swap the meat? I’m always curious how you make it yours.

Looking for more easy dinners? Follow me on Pinterest @NinaDishes for daily recipe inspiration!

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is the ultimate one-pan dinner. Packed with seasoned beef, tender rice, melty cheese, and vibrant toppings, it’s easy to make and cleanup is a breeze. Perfect for busy nights or laid-back weekends.