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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Rice Skillet

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A quick and comforting one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheddar cheese with taco spices, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 2 cups beef broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 small jalapeño, diced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dice one medium onion, one bell pepper, and mince two cloves of garlic. If using jalapeño, finely chop one small pepper. Measure out 1 cup (190 g) of rice and shred about 1 cup (100 g) of cheddar cheese.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned with no pink remaining, about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the onions, bell pepper, and garlic to the empty side. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Mix everything together.
  4. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, stirring well to coat the beef and veggies evenly.
  5. Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it’s well mixed with the seasoned beef. Pour in 2 cups (480 ml) of beef broth or water. Stir once, then bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet tightly with a lid. Let it cook undisturbed for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat but keep it covered for 5 minutes to let the rice steam and finish cooking. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover again for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
  8. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and, if desired, a squeeze of lime or diced avocado. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not stir the rice after adding liquid to avoid stickiness. If rice is still firm after 20 minutes, add a splash of broth or water, cover, and cook 3-5 more minutes. Browning the beef well adds deeper flavor. For smoky flavor, add smoked paprika or chipotle powder to taco seasoning. Use frozen bell peppers for quicker prep. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water or broth to keep moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, taco rice skillet, cheesy, quick dinner, family meal, one-pan, easy recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/easy-cheesy-ground-beef-taco-rice-skillet-recipe-for-quick-family-dinners/