Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can. Ground turkey or ground chicken both work here. The flavor will be a little lighter, but the recipe still comes together the same way. You may just want to add a small extra splash of broth so it doesn’t dry out.

Does the rice have to be cooked first?

For this version, yes. Using cooked rice keeps everything simple and prevents guessing about liquid amounts. If you want to cook rice from scratch, cooking it in beef broth instead of water adds more flavor before it goes into the skillet.

Not really. The heat mostly depends on the taco seasoning and the diced tomatoes with green chilies. It’s more warm and savory than spicy. If you’re cooking for someone sensitive to heat, a mild taco seasoning works just fine.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can. It keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days. When reheating, adding a small splash of broth helps bring it back to the right texture.

What can I serve this with?

It’s filling on its own, but it also works with simple sides like a green salad, tortilla chips, or even wrapped up in a soft tortilla the next day.

Cheesy Taco Beef And Rice

Description

This Cheesy Taco Beef & Rice is a one-skillet wonder packed with bold taco flavors, hearty rice, and melty cheese. It’s a fast and family-friendly dinner that comes together in just 35 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
½ yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 packet taco seasoning
2 cups cooked long-grain rice (or cook 1 cup uncooked rice in 2 cups beef broth before adding)
½ cup beef broth (to keep mixture moist)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar + Monterey Jack blend, or Mexican blend)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and bell pepper. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, until the beef is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain excess grease.
Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce. Mix until well combined.
Add the cooked rice and beef broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors come together.
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.

Notes

You can prep the rice in advance or use leftover rice to save time. This dish also makes great leftovers and reheats well!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: cheesy taco beef rice, taco rice skillet, beef rice casserole