Can I make the cheesy taco rice skillet ahead of time?

Yes! This dish is ideal for meal prep. You can make the full recipe ahead, allow it to cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the full skillet in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Is this cheesy taco rice skillet gluten-free?

Yes, the base recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming you use certified gluten-free taco seasoning and salsa. Always check your packaged ingredients to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten sources. This makes the skillet a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.

What can I use if I don’t have ready rice?

If you don’t have microwave-ready rice on hand, you can use any pre-cooked rice, such as long-grain white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice. Just be sure the rice is fully cooked before adding it to the skillet. For a lower-carb alternative, cauliflower rice works well too and blends nicely with the taco-seasoned mixture.

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet – Easy Recipe

Name: Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef: adds rich, savory flavor and high protein; 1/2 medium onion, diced: provides aromatic depth and flavor; 3 tbsp taco seasoning: gives the dish classic Mexican spice; 1/2 cup salsa: adds moisture and tangy flavor; 15 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed: adds creaminess, fiber, and protein; 15 oz canned sweet corn (not drained): adds sweetness and extra moisture; 10 oz canned diced tomatoes with green chilies: adds acidity and mild heat; 8.5 oz cooked Spicy Mexican-style ready rice: delivers bold flavor and convenience; 4 oz Colby Jack cheese, shredded: creates a creamy, melty topping; Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips

Description

A quick and easy one-skillet dinner, this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet combines lean ground beef, spicy Mexican rice, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, all topped with melty Colby Jack cheese. It’s a protein-packed, family-friendly meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb lean ground beef: adds rich, savory flavor and high protein
1/2 medium onion, diced: provides aromatic depth and flavor
3 tbsp taco seasoning: gives the dish classic Mexican spice
1/2 cup salsa: adds moisture and tangy flavor
15 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed: adds creaminess, fiber, and protein
15 oz canned sweet corn (not drained): adds sweetness and extra moisture
10 oz canned diced tomatoes with green chilies: adds acidity and mild heat
8.5 oz cooked Spicy Mexican-style ready rice: delivers bold flavor and convenience
4 oz Colby Jack cheese, shredded: creates a creamy, melty topping
Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips

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Instructions

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and spray with nonstick spray.
Add ground beef and diced onions to the skillet. Cook for 8–10 minutes until beef is browned and onions are soft.
Stir in taco seasoning and salsa, mixing well to coat the meat evenly.
Add drained black beans, undrained corn, and undrained diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until most liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the cooked Mexican-style rice and mix until fully combined.
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top of the skillet mixture.
Preheat oven to broil. Place skillet under broiler on middle rack until cheese is bubbly, about 1–2 minutes.
Remove from oven, garnish with toppings as desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Shred cheese from the block for better melting texture.
If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer mixture to a baking dish before broiling.
Add sautéed bell peppers or garlic with the onions for extra flavor.
Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 399 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 762 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 8 g
Protein: 29 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg