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One-Pot Cheesy Taco Skillet Recipe for an Easy Family Dinner

One-Pot Cheesy Taco Skillet Recipe

A hearty one-pot dinner made with taco-seasoned beef, rice, tomatoes, black beans, corn, and melted cheese. It serves 4–6 people and comes together in about 35–45 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 pound Lean ground beef
  • 1 small Small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 packet, approximately 1 ounce Taco seasoning
  • 1 cup Uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 14.5 ounces Diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 1/2 cups Low-sodium beef or chicken broth
  • 15 ounces Black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Corn kernels, canned and drained or frozen
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican-blend cheese
Optional Toppings
  • To taste Chopped cilantro
  • To taste Sliced green onions
  • To taste Diced avocado
  • To taste Sour cream
  • To taste Salsa or pico de gallo
  • To taste Sliced jalapeños
  • To taste Lime wedges

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, then cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the beef until browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the seasoning coats the beef.
  3. Add the uncooked rice, undrained diced tomatoes, and broth. Stir well, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for 18–22 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking, until the rice is tender. Add a small amount of broth if the pan becomes dry before the rice is cooked.
  5. Stir in the drained black beans and corn. Cook uncovered for 2–3 minutes, until both additions are heated through.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover for 1–2 minutes, until the cheese melts, then let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving with desired toppings.

Notes

Use long-grain white rice rather than instant rice because instant rice needs different liquid and cooking times. Keep the skillet covered while the rice cooks and avoid frequent stirring. For deeper flavor, brown the beef well and use fire-roasted diced tomatoes if available.