Mexican Taco Rice Skillet Recipe

Craving a bold, satisfying dinner that comes together in one pan and delights the whole family? Look no further than this Mexican Taco Rice Skillet! Packed with layers of savory ground beef, tender rice, zesty tomatoes, oozy cheese, and all your favorite taco flavors, it’s the ultimate weeknight lifesaver and guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Mexican Taco Rice Skillet looks fancy but relies on a handful of everyday staples, each one working together to create crave-worthy comfort in every spoonful. Let’s take a closer look at what brings this dish to life!

• Lean Ground Beef (85% lean): Provides hearty, meaty flavor as the base for the skillet—feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken, if you prefer.
• Onion: Adds natural sweetness and aromatic depth; finely diced so it melts right into the rice.
• Jalapeño (optional): For those who like a gentle kick—remove the seeds for less heat, or skip for a milder dish.
• Salt & Pepper: Just a dash of these pantry essentials wakes up all the flavors.
• Taco Seasoning: The spice blend that creates that unmistakable taco taste—choose your favorite store-bought or homemade mix.
• Garlic Powder: Adds mellow depth and complements the savory spices beautifully.
• Rotel Tomatoes (with green chilies or petite diced tomatoes): Brings tangy, zesty notes and juicy pops of flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: Gives the rice its saucy, richly colored base.
• Beef Broth: Infuses the rice with even more bold flavor while keeping everything moist and fluffy.
• Uncooked Rice: The backbone of the skillet—white rice cooks up tender as it absorbs all those amazing juices.
• Cheddar or Mexican Cheese Blend (shredded): Melts into gooey, golden goodness on top for the ultimate finish.
• Cilantro (chopped): Sprinkled at the end for a vibrant, herbaceous pop that’s totally addictive.
• Your Favorite Toppings (sour cream, pico de gallo, salsa, guacamole): Make it your own with all the classic taco-style fixings!

Variations

This Mexican Taco Rice Skillet is always a hit as written, but it’s also a fantastic canvas for your own creativity. Make it fit your mood, fridge contents, or dietary needs with these easy inspiration ideas!

• Chicken or Turkey: Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option that’s just as tasty.
• Veggie-Loaded: Add bell peppers, corn, or black beans for more color, nutrition, and texture.
• Low-Carb Swap: Use cooked cauliflower rice and cut down the broth—simmer just until everything is heated through.
• Extra Spicy: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or top with sliced jalapeños for some serious heat lovers in your life.
• Dairy-Free: Use a favorite plant-based cheese or skip cheese entirely and amp up the toppings with avocado and salsa.

How to Make Mexican Taco Rice Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies

Start by heating a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and jalapeño (if you want some heat), then season everything with salt and pepper. Cook while breaking up the meat until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and fragrant. If you see any excess grease, go ahead and drain it away for the best texture.

Step 2: Spice It Up

Now sprinkle in the taco seasoning and garlic powder, stirring to generously coat the meat and veggies. This is where the magic really begins—those warming spices will fill your kitchen with incredible taco aromas!

Step 3: Add the Saucy Goodness

Pour in your can of tomato sauce, the zesty Rotel tomatoes (juice and all!), and the beef broth. Then add the uncooked rice right into the skillet. Stir well to make sure every grain of rice is tucked under those saucy, savory juices—this helps it cook up evenly and absorb all the flavor.

Step 4: Simmer and Fluff

Bring the whole skillet to a gentle boil, then immediately lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and let everything cook for 18–20 minutes, keeping an eye so the skillet never runs dry (add a splash more broth if needed). Once the rice is tender and fluffy, it’s time for the cheesy finish!

Step 5: Melt and Garnish

Sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the top. Replace the lid for a minute or two until the cheese gets gooey and irresistible. Remove from heat, shower with freshly chopped cilantro, and set up the toppings bar—your Mexican Taco Rice Skillet is ready to shine!

How to Serve Mexican Taco Rice Skillet

Garnishes

Pile on the fun with toppings like a big dollop of sour cream, freshly made pico de gallo, spicy salsa, creamy guacamole, or even crunchy sliced radishes. Fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of green onions, or a handful of crumbled tortilla chips send this Mexican Taco Rice Skillet over the top!

Side Dishes

Can’t go wrong with a crisp green salad or a bowl of black bean and corn salad on the side. But this skillet also pairs beautifully with roasted veggies, warm tortillas, or a platter of sliced avocados to truly round out taco night.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning hearty scoops into taco shells for taco rice “boats,” stuffing bell peppers with leftovers for a fun twist, or layering everything into a big burrito wrap for a portable feast. This Mexican Taco Rice Skillet also makes a fantastic potluck or game-day meal—just serve with plenty of toppings on the side!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers will keep perfectly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. This makes Mexican Taco Rice Skillet a meal prep champ—great for lunches or a speedy second dinner later in the week!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this skillet. Let it cool completely, scoop into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—just note that rice may soften slightly after thawing.

Reheating

For reheating, either microwave individual portions (cover and add a splash of broth for moisture) or warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot throughout. Add extra cheese and fresh cilantro at the end to revive that just-cooked vibe!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Mexican Taco Rice Skillet a whirl the next time you need a kitchen win! It’s cozy, filling, and endlessly customizable. Once you taste that cheesy, zesty goodness, I promise it’ll become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy every last bite!

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