Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a simple, hearty dish that brings together all the flavors of a taco night in one easy skillet. It’s made with tender rice, seasoned taco meat, melty cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh toppings like tomatoes and green onions. The cheese melting over the warm rice and spices makes every bite comforting and tasty.
I love making this dish on busy weeknights because it comes together quickly, and my whole family loves it. I usually use ground beef or turkey, but it’s just as good with beans for a vegetarian twist. One tip I have is to cover the skillet for a few minutes at the end, letting the cheese melt perfectly and everything come together beautifully.
My favorite way to serve it is right from the skillet for a casual, fun meal. Adding a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime makes it even better. It’s a great recipe to keep on hand when you want something filling and full of flavor without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This adds rich flavor and texture to the dish. I like using lean ground beef to keep it from getting too greasy, but ground turkey works well if you want a lighter option or to reduce fat.
Rice: Long grain white rice cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors nicely. You can swap it for brown rice, but it needs longer cooking time and more liquid, so adjust accordingly.
Taco seasoning: The seasoning mix is what gives the dish that classic taco taste. If you don’t have a packet, use a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: They add a little zing and moisture. You can use plain diced tomatoes if you prefer less spice, or fresh tomatoes plus a dash of chili powder.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and balances the spices. If you want a milder taste, try Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend. For dairy-free, use a plant-based cheese alternative.
How Do You Get the Rice Perfectly Cooked and Flavored?
The rice is key since it cooks with the meat and liquids in one skillet. Here’s how to get it right:
- Brown the meat first: Cooking the beef thoroughly before adding rice helps build flavor.
- Toast the rice briefly: Stirring the uncooked rice with the meat lets it soak up spices and oils for more flavor.
- Add the right amount of liquid: Using broth adds taste, and 1.5 cups for 1 cup of rice is just right to cook it fully.
- Simmer low and slow: Cover and let the rice cook over low heat without stirring. This keeps the grains from getting mushy.
- Rest with cheese on top: After cooking, covering the skillet with cheese lets it melt gently without overcooking the rice.
Following these simple steps makes the rice tender, tasty, and well-seasoned every time. It’s the kind of comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I prefer a cast-iron or non-stick skillet that can handle the whole meal and go straight to the table.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – makes stirring easy without scratching the skillet.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions.
- Knife and cutting board – to chop the onion and green onions easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for shredded cooked chicken or cooked steak strips for a different protein twist.
- Add chopped bell peppers, corn, or black beans to boost veggies and fiber.
- Use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Mexican blend cheese for different melt and flavor profiles.
- Top with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor at serving time.
Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 ½ cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel), drained slightly
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and brown the meat, plus 18–20 minutes simmering for the rice to cook. After cooking, allow 5 minutes for the cheese to melt, so plan on about 35 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat and Sauté Veggies
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if you want. Then, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook and stir for about 3 minutes, until the onion softens.
2. Add Seasonings and Rice
Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the meat and onions, stirring well so everything is coated. Next, add the uncooked rice into the skillet. Stir it around for 1-2 minutes to let the rice soak up the flavors.
3. Pour in Liquids and Cook the Rice
Pour the beef broth and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies into the skillet. Stir to combine everything. Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 18-20 minutes. The rice should be tender and the liquid absorbed.
4. Add Cheese and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Replace the lid so the cheese melts from the residual heat—let it sit for about 5 minutes. Finally, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the melted cheese before serving.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your cheesy taco rice hot, straight from the skillet. For an extra boost, add sour cream, salsa, or a squeeze of fresh lime on the side. This hearty one-pan meal is easy to make and full of delicious taco flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw it before cooking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cooking frozen meat directly may result in uneven cooking.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for cooked black beans, pinto beans, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. The seasoning and other ingredients stay the same for a tasty meat-free version.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
You can, but brown rice takes longer to cook and needs more liquid. Increase the broth to about 2 cups and simmer for 40-45 minutes, checking for tenderness as it cooks.
