Description
This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is a delicious and easy one-pan dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and ready rice, all topped with melted Colby Jack cheese and fresh toppings, it offers a flavorful Tex-Mex inspired meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (or ground turkey or diced chicken)
- 0.5 medium Onion, diced (or shallots for milder taste)
- 3 tbsp Taco Seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 0.5 cup Prepared Salsa (fresh or store-bought)
- 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)
- 8.5 oz Ready Rice, microwaved (or cooked long-grain/brown rice)
- 4 oz Colby Jack Cheese, shredded (shredded from block for best melting)
Garnishes
- Fresh Cilantro
- Sliced Avocado
- Sour Cream
- Crushed Tortilla Chips
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Begin 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 for about 8-10 minutes until the beef is fully browned and the onions become soft and translucent.
- Add Seasoning and Salsa: Stir in the taco seasoning along with the prepared salsa, mixing everything thoroughly to infuse the beef mixture with flavor.
- Mix in Vegetables: Add the drained black beans, undrained sweet corn, and undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-6 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Combine Rice and Cheese: Incorporate the microwaved rice into the skillet, spreading it evenly. Then top the entire skillet with shredded Colby Jack cheese.
- Broil the Skillet: Transfer the skillet onto the middle rack of your oven and broil for about 1 minute, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly with a slight golden color.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips as desired before serving.
Notes
- Use a skillet that is oven-safe to allow easy transfer from stovetop to broiler.
- For a lighter version, substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- If you prefer spicier, add jalapeños or extra green chiles to the dish.
- Ready rice speeds up the recipe, but cooked long-grain or brown rice works well too.
- Broiling time is quick, so watch closely to prevent burning the cheese.
