Looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal that's packed with flavor? Look no further than this One Pot of Spicy Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet! This delicious dish features tender, fluffy rice mixed with ground beef or turkey, spicy taco seasoning, and plenty of gooey, melted cheese. The best part? It all comes together in just one skillet, making for easy cleanup and minimal fuss.
How To Make:
To start, brown your meat of choice in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the meat is cooked through, add in your taco seasoning and stir to coat the meat evenly.
Next, add in your rice and some water, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes, or until it's cooked through and tender.
Once the rice is fully cooked, stir in some grated cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and become gooey and delicious. You can also add in some diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, or sliced jalapenos for extra flavor and spice.
Serve your One Pot Spicy Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet hot, garnished with more shredded cheese and some fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
Use a good quality skillet with a lid to cook the rice evenly and avoid sticking.
Cook the ground beef and onions first until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
Add the spices and seasonings to the beef and onion mixture to let them toast and develop their flavors.
For a flavor boost, combine green chiles and canned diced tomatoes.
If you like your food less spicy, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.
Variations:
Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the dish for extra vegetables and flavor.
For a leaner alternative, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
Top the dish with sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
Substitute brown rice or quinoa for white rice for a healthier option.
Use a different type of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, for a different flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can dice tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion, and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, and stir to combine. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes, or until they begin to smell good.
Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, rice, and beef broth to the skillet, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
After turning off the heat, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts.
If preferred, garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.