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Ultimate 20-Minute Taco Rice Skillet recipe photo

20-Minute Taco Rice Skillet

This 20-Minute Taco Rice Skillet is a quick, flavorful one-pan meal with ground beef, rice, black beans, and melted cheddar cheese—perfect for busy weeknights!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Lid

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels frozen or canned
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper as it cooks.
  • Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the beef, stirring well to coat it evenly. Then add 1 cup of long-grain white rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the beef and seasoning.
  • Pour in 2 cups of beef broth, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
  • Once the rice is cooked, stir in 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup of corn kernels, and 1 cup of diced tomatoes. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for another 2-3 minutes so the beans and corn warm through.
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover it again and let it sit on low heat for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully. Finish by sprinkling 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
  • Your 20-Minute Taco Rice Skillet is ready to serve! Scoop it onto plates and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect on its own or alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Rinse black beans thoroughly to avoid excess saltiness or canned flavor.
  • Brown the ground beef well to add depth of flavor to the dish.
  • Measure beef broth accurately to prevent mushy rice.
  • Cover the skillet while simmering to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
  • Try swapping ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Keyword Easy, Ground Beef, one pan, Quick, Skillet, Taco