Name: Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning; 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1 cup frozen corn; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.3 from 34 reviews

If you are craving a comforting, flavorful, and super satisfying one-pan meal, this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, juicy tomatoes, vibrant corn, and an irresistible blanket of melted cheeses, every bite is a fiesta for your taste buds. This dish combines simplicity with bold flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a hearty meal with a Mexican-inspired twist. You’re going to love how it comes together in just one skillet, saving both time and cleanup, while delivering that warm, cheesy goodness everyone adores.

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building the vibrant flavor and delightful textures in the skillet. From the savory richness of the ground beef to the creamy mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, everything comes together in perfect harmony.

1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty base that brings savory flavor and protein to this dish.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps cook the veggies and beef evenly while adding a subtle fruitiness.
1 small onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor when softened.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic pungency that complements the taco seasoning.
1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning: Provides that classic taco spice blend to infuse every bite.
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: Absorbs the rich taco-infused broth and keeps the dish filling.
2 cups beef broth: Adds moisture and deep beefy flavor to cook the rice perfectly.
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained: Offers fresh tomato flavor and a juicy texture contrast.
1 cup tomato sauce: Creates a saucy base that brings everything together with a slight tang.
1 cup frozen corn: Adds bursts of sweetness and color throughout the skillet.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for bold, sharp cheesy goodness.
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Complements cheddar with creamy mildness and extra meltiness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering anything.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of heat and earthiness.
Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): Provides a fresh herbal note and pretty contrast on top.

How to Make Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until it softens into a translucent, fragrant base. Then stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just 30 seconds more until you can smell that lovely garlicky aroma. Now it’s time to add the ground beef. Break it up with your spoon and cook until it is completely browned and no pink remains. This step builds the savory flavor foundation for your skillet.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Ingredients for the Rice

Drain any excess grease from the beef so your dish isn’t too oily. Stir in the taco seasoning along with salt and black pepper to coat the beef perfectly. Next, add the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and frozen corn. Mix everything well to combine, making sure the rice is evenly submerged in the flavorful liquid. This is where the magic happens as the rice soaks up all those delicious spices and juices while it cooks.

Step 3: Simmer Until Rice is Tender

Bring your skillet to a gentle simmer, then cover it with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let everything cook undisturbed for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice has softened and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Resist the urge to peek too often as the steam helps the rice cook perfectly fluffy and infused with that rich taco flavor.

Step 4: Melt the Cheeses

Once the rice is tender, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top. Cover it again for 2 to 3 minutes to let the cheeses melt into a creamy, gooey topping that ties all the flavors together. This step turns the dish from delicious to downright irresistible.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish off your Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color and bright herbal freshness. Now it’s ready to enjoy hot and bubbly right from the skillet!

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

While chopped cilantro is a classic fresh garnish, don’t be shy about adding dollops of sour cream, slices of avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the dish even more. A handful of crushed tortilla chips sprinkled on top adds a satisfying crunch and contrast to the creamy cheesy texture.

Side Dishes

This skillet pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. For a heartier option, warm flour tortillas or Mexican street corn on the cob balance the meal perfectly and stretch it for sharing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the cheesy taco rice skillet inside crispy taco shells or stuff it into large bell peppers for individual portions that also add a sweet crunch. You can even turn it into a layered casserole with extra cheese and baking at the end for a bubbly crust. It’s a versatile recipe begging for your personal touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored properly, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep option that tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.

Freezing

If you want to keep leftovers longer, freeze the skillet in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When freezing, it’s best to hold off on adding fresh cilantro garnish so it stays bright and fresh when reheated.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm everything evenly and prevent the cheese from sticking or drying out. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help keep the rice moist during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent lighter alternatives that still absorb the taco seasoning beautifully and complement the cheesy rice mix perfectly.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten free?

Yes, just ensure your taco seasoning is gluten free and your broth and tomato products don’t contain hidden gluten. This recipe is naturally gluten free otherwise!

Can I add extra veggies to this skillet?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, black beans, or zucchini work wonderfully and boost the nutrition and texture without overpowering the base flavors.

How spicy is this recipe?

This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is moderately spiced depending on your taco seasoning. You can easily adjust the heat by adding jalapenos or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

What cheese can I substitute if I don’t have cheddar or Monterey Jack?

Colby or Pepper Jack make great substitutes. Even a good melting mozzarella will work if you prefer a milder cheesy flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet Recipe is one of those true weeknight wonders that never fails to impress. With its rich, gooey cheese, perfectly cooked rice, and bold taco flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just want a simple, comforting dish to enjoy yourself, give this recipe a try—you’re going to fall in love with it just like I did!