Get ready to dive into the vibrant, crave-worthy world of the Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe! This is one of those weeknight wonders that’s hearty, colorful, and positively bursting with southwestern flavor. Imagine everything you love about tacos — savory ground beef, zesty seasoning, tender rice, creamy beans, sweet corn, and a gooey blanket of cheese — all mingling together in a single pan. If you love dishes that deliver on bold taste while keeping cleanup easy, this skillet recipe is about to become your new go-to.

Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things easy by using a thoughtful lineup of pantry staples and fresh touches. Each ingredient not only adds its own personality, but also helps build those irresistible layers of taste and texture that make this dish so satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Ground beef: Classic for taco flavor and richness, but you can swap in turkey or chicken for a lighter take.
Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth, creating a perfect aromatic foundation for the skillet.
Garlic (minced): Brings a punch of savoriness that no taco-inspired dish should be without.
Taco seasoning: The secret to big, bold flavor; use a packet or make your own for extra control over spice level.
Long grain white rice: Absorbs all those delicious juices and flavors, creating fluffy, cohesive bites.
Beef or chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory depth to cook the rice and tie everything together.
Black beans (drained and rinsed): For creaminess, fiber, and that extra bit of protein.
Corn (frozen or canned): Pops of sweet, juicy flavor in each bite; fresh corn works, too, if it’s in season!
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Offer tangy, spicy notes and extra juiciness to the skillet.
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully for a cheesy, golden topping that brings all the flavors together.
Olive oil: Helps brown the meat and soften the veggies, adding a subtle richness.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into harmony.
Chopped cilantro and lime wedges: Bright, fresh finishes that elevate every serving.

How to Make Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and let it cook, breaking it up as it browns and releases its savory aroma. Once deeply golden, drain off any extra fat to keep the dish balanced.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Toss in the diced onion and let it cook for a couple of minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and the taco seasoning, and let everything bloom in the heat for about a minute. You’ll notice the air fill with spicy, mouthwatering taco fragrance!

Step 3: Build Flavor and Simmer

Now, stir in the uncooked rice, broth of your choice, black beans, corn, and that can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (liquid included). Mix well so every grain of rice gets a head start at soaking up all the good stuff. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover your skillet.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Allow the skillet to simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes. Resist the urge to peek! When you finally lift the lid, the rice should be tender and almost all the liquid absorbed, creating perfectly unified layers of spicy, hearty rice and veggies.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish

Sprinkle your shredded cheese all over the top, then replace the lid for a couple more minutes. The cheese melts into a perfect golden blanket, bringing the whole dish together. Right before serving, shower the Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe with fresh cilantro and bring out the lime wedges for a pop of brightness.

How to Serve Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

This dish loves to show off with fresh toppings! Sprinkle on a handful of chopped cilantro for color and herbal punch. Always offer lime wedges, so everyone can add a burst of tangy citrus to their liking. For extra flair, add sliced jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, creamy avocado, or a crunchy shower of tortilla chips.

Side Dishes

While the Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe is filling enough on its own, it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try a crisp green salad with a citrusy dressing, charred street corn, or even warm flour tortillas alongside. For parties, a scoop of homemade guacamole and fire-roasted salsa turns your dinner into a feast.

Creative Ways to Present

You can absolutely serve this right from the skillet, family-style, for an easygoing vibe. For gatherings, spoon the skillet mixture into individual bowls and create a taco bar with toppings so everyone can personalize their plate. Or, stuff the filling into taco shells, burritos, or even pile it atop a bed of crunchy lettuce for a taco salad twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe stores like a dream. Simply cool the dish and transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll happily keep in the fridge for up to four days, perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

If you want to batch cook or have extras for later, this skillet freezes beautifully! Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to two months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, you can microwave individual bowls with a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist. For larger portions, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot. Don’t forget to freshen things up with a sprinkle of cilantro or a squeeze of lime before digging in again!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply leave out the ground beef and start by sautéing onions in olive oil. You can add extra beans or even small diced veggies like bell pepper or zucchini to make the vegetarian Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe just as hearty and delicious.

What other proteins can I use instead of beef?

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Swap in ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a totally different spin while keeping all the tasty flavor.

Is it possible to use brown rice instead of white?

You can use brown rice, but it will need extra cooking time and a bit more broth. Simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, checking for doneness and adding more broth as necessary.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure your taco seasoning is certified gluten-free and use naturally gluten-free broth. All the other ingredients in the Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe are naturally gluten-free!

What’s the best way to add more heat or spice?

To ratchet up the heat, double up on the green chilies, add diced jalapeños, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Serve with extra hot salsa or spicy queso for those who love things fire-hot!

Final Thoughts

There you have it: a flavor-packed, feel-good dinner that’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet exciting enough for company. If you haven’t tried the Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe yet, now is the time! Grab your skillet and let your kitchen fill with those irresistible southwest aromas — you’ll be counting down until dinner is served.

Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Mexican Taco Rice Skillet recipe is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal that combines seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, corn, and cheese for a delicious dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Rice and Beans:

1 cup long grain white rice
1½ cups beef or chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn, drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

Additional:

1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Chopped cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Add onion, garlic, and taco seasoning.
Cook Rice and Beans: Stir in rice, broth, black beans, corn, and tomatoes. Simmer until rice is tender.
Add Cheese and Serve: Top with cheese, cover to melt, then garnish with cilantro and lime.