Description
Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan dinner combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and rice, all topped with melted Colby Jack cheese and fresh garnishes. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty and comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (or ground turkey or diced chicken)
- 0.5 medium Onion, diced (or shallots for milder taste)
- 15 oz Black Beans, drained and rinsed (or pinto beans)
- 15 oz Sweet Corn, undrained (or frozen corn)
- 10 oz Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles, undrained (or fresh diced tomatoes)
Seasoning and Base
- 3 tbsp Taco Seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 0.5 cup Prepared Salsa (fresh or store-bought)
- 8.5 oz Ready Rice, microwaved (or cooked long-grain/brown rice)
Dairy and Garnishes
- 4 oz Colby Jack Cheese, shredded (shred from block for best melting)
- Fresh Cilantro (for garnish)
- Sliced Avocado (for garnish)
- Sour Cream (for garnish)
- Crushed Tortilla Chips (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat Skillet: Start by heating a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef and Onions: Add the lean ground beef and diced onions to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 8–10 minutes.
- Add Seasoning and Salsa: Stir in the taco seasoning and prepared salsa thoroughly to combine with the beef and onion mixture.
- Simmer Vegetables: Add the drained black beans, undrained sweet corn, and undrained diced tomatoes and green chiles to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5–6 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix in Rice and Cheese: Incorporate the microwaved rice into the skillet evenly, then top the entire dish with shredded Colby Jack cheese.
- Broil for Cheese Melt: Place the skillet on the middle rack of your oven and broil until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden, about 1 minute. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips as desired before serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or diced chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- For a milder onion flavor, substitute shallots for onions.
- Microwaving ready rice saves time, but cooked long-grain or brown rice works well too.
- Broiling cheese requires close attention to avoid burning; stay nearby during this step.
- This dish is versatile; feel free to add jalapeños for extra heat or swap beans according to preference.
