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Easy Skillet Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Rice Bowl

Easy Skillet Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Rice Bowl - featured image
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A quick and comforting one-skillet meal combining taco-seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese for a flavorful and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth or water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, lime wedges, jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out rice, taco seasoning, and other ingredients. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear (optional).
  2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned but not fully cooked through, about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
  3. Add chopped onion to the beef and sauté for 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding burning.
  4. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the beef mixture. Stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies including the juice. Cook for 2 minutes until well combined and aromatic.
  5. Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat with beef and seasoning. Pour in beef broth or water and stir once. Bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer undisturbed for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let cheese melt for 3-5 minutes until gooey.
  8. Use a fork to fluff the rice and mix in some melted cheese if desired. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with optional toppings.

Notes

Do not lift the lid during simmering to keep steam trapped for perfectly cooked rice. If rice is not fully cooked after 20 minutes, add a splash more broth or water and cook a few more minutes. Cover the pan after adding cheese to melt it evenly without burning. For leftovers, reheat with a splash of water or broth to keep moist. This recipe can be adapted for vegetarian or low-carb diets by substituting ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: skillet, cheesy, ground beef, taco, rice bowl, quick meals, weeknight dinner, easy recipe

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/easy-skillet-cheesy-ground-beef-taco-rice-bowl-recipe-for-quick-meals/