Name: Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 cup corn (frozen or canned); 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth or water; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese; Optional: avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro for topping

If you’re after a weeknight dinner that practically cooks itself and gets everyone excited at the table, this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is your new go-to. Packed with bold taco flavor, hearty rice, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese, it hits all the right notes. And did I mention it only uses one pan? That means less cleanup, more flavor.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish brings together comfort food ease and Tex-Mex spice in the most satisfying way. Add your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or salsa, and watch how quickly it disappears from the skillet.

What Kind of Rice Should I Use?

For best results, use long-grain white rice or jasmine rice. These types cook evenly and absorb flavor beautifully without getting mushy. Avoid instant rice—it cooks too quickly and might turn out too soft in this one-skillet dish.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Ground beef – The base protein for this skillet, adding richness and a classic taco taste.

Onion and garlic – These aromatics build a flavor foundation that deepens as they cook.

Bell pepper – Adds color, crunch, and subtle sweetness to the dish.

Corn and black beans – Boosts the texture and protein while keeping the dish hearty and fiber-rich.

Taco seasoning – The signature spice mix that brings bold, savory, and slightly smoky flavor.

Diced tomatoes with green chilies – Adds moisture, acidity, and a mild kick of heat.

Uncooked white rice – Absorbs all the savory juices and flavors as it cooks in the skillet.

Chicken broth or water – Helps the rice cook through while infusing it with depth.

Shredded cheese – Melts beautifully over the finished skillet, giving that golden, gooey top layer everyone loves.

Avocado and sour cream (optional toppings) – These creamy additions balance the spices and give a fresh finish.

How To Make the Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Saute Aromatics

Add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.

Step 3: Season It Up

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir everything together until the beef and vegetables are well coated in spices. Cook for another minute to bloom the flavors.

Step 4: Add Rice and Liquids

Pour in the uncooked white rice, corn, black beans, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including juices). Stir in the chicken broth or water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer and Cover

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Turn off the heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet, cover again, and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top with sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or your favorite taco toppings. Serve hot straight from the skillet and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

This dish is best served piping hot straight from the skillet. Garnish it with creamy avocado slices, a spoonful of sour cream, a sprinkle of cilantro, or even a splash of hot sauce for extra zing. It pairs beautifully with tortilla chips, a simple green salad, or as a filling for burritos and taco bowls.

For storing, let the skillet cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats easily in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to rehydrate the rice. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the simmering time and add a bit more liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.

What’s a good vegetarian substitute for the ground beef?

You can swap the beef for plant-based crumbles, cooked lentils, or even diced mushrooms to keep the dish hearty and satisfying.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! It makes an excellent meal prep option. Just cool, portion, and store in containers. It reheats wonderfully.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mildly spicy due to the taco seasoning and green chilies. If you’re heat-sensitive, use mild taco seasoning and plain diced tomatoes.

What kind of cheese melts best for this recipe?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work beautifully. They melt easily and add great flavor.

Can I add more veggies?

Of course! Zucchini, spinach, or even jalapeños can be added for extra color and nutrition.

Want More Skillet Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet, here are more savory and satisfying one-pan meals from the Life with Jam kitchen:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a cheesy, comforting pasta night.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce when you’re craving Philly flavors with a twist.
Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet for a low-carb, protein-packed meal.
Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli if you love a creamy veggie combo.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a hearty, flavor-packed dinner everyone will love.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Jam Pinterest Recipes

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic or load it up with extra toppings? Maybe you added jalapeños or used turkey instead of beef?

I love hearing your variations and tips. Your creativity makes this community so fun to cook with!

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4–6

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is the ultimate one-pan dinner! Loaded with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, veggies, beans, and melted cheese, it’s a hearty, comforting meal the whole family will love. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy Tex-Mex flavor without the fuss.

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.

2. Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are soft and onions are translucent.

3. Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir to coat the mixture. Cook for 1 minute to develop flavor.

4. Stir in uncooked rice, corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies (with juices). Add chicken broth or water and bring to a gentle boil.

5. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally.

6. Turn off heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover again, and let it melt for 2–3 minutes.

7. Garnish with avocado, sour cream, or cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!