Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of savory ground beef, beans, corn, and melted cheese makes it a filling and flavorful dish. Plus, it’s all cooked in one skillet, which means less cleanup!
How to Make Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 can beans (e.g., black beans or pinto beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 2 cups ready rice (microwavable or pre-cooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, chopped green onions
Directions:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and add drained beans, corn, and ready rice. Mix well to combine.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and cover the skillet until melted.
- Serve hot with optional toppings.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
Serve the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet hot, straight from the skillet. You can add optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, and chopped green onions for extra flavor. This dish goes well with tortilla chips or a simple garden salad on the side.
How to Store Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just reheat thoroughly before serving!
Tips to Make Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the skillet.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lower-fat option.
- To save time, use frozen pre-cooked rice instead of regular rice.
- Add more veggies like diced bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by trying different beans, such as kidney beans or chickpeas. Also, swapping the cheese for a pepper jack can add a nice kick!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a meat substitute, such as crumbled tofu or beyond meat, and you can still enjoy this delicious dish!
Can I use regular rice instead of ready rice?
Definitely! Just cook the regular rice according to package instructions before adding it to the skillet.
How do I make this recipe lower in calories?
You can use leaner ground meat, reduce the amount of cheese, or increase the proportion of vegetables to make it lighter without sacrificing flavor!
Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and add drained beans, corn, and ready rice. Mix well to combine.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and cover the skillet until melted.
- Serve hot with optional toppings.