Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

The beauty of this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is in its simplicity—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight. As the rice soaks up all the delicious taco seasoning and the cheese melts into a gooey, comforting layer, you’ll find yourself sneaking bites straight from the pan. The savory ground beef adds the perfect hearty base, while the tomatoes and green chilies bring a subtle zing that perfectly balances the richness of the cheese. What makes it even better is that you can totally make it your own by adjusting the spice level. Want it to have a little extra kick? Throw in some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You know those nights when you just want something quick but packed with flavor? This is your answer.

And let’s talk about the cheese for a second, because that’s the real star of the show. The way it melts into every nook and cranny of the rice creates little pockets of creamy goodness. You can use any cheese you love, but I’m partial to a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. It gives you that perfect melt with a sharp, tangy contrast that makes each bite feel like a celebration. Plus, this skillet is super adaptable—you can make it as a one-pan wonder or pile on your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or even a few slices of avocado. The beauty of this dish is that it’s a crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving it up for a quick dinner, a casual get-together, or as leftovers for lunch the next day.

Key Ingredients in Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

The key to making this dish both flavorful and satisfying lies in the quality of ingredients you choose. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the best flavors and textures, from the rich, savory base to the melty, cheesy finish. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef
  This hearty protein forms the base of the dish, offering a savory, meaty flavor that perfectly balances the spices. It soaks up all the taco seasoning, adding depth to each bite.
• Taco Seasoning
  The star of the show when it comes to flavor! This pre-mixed blend of spices delivers that classic taco taste, with a combination of cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion powder. It brings that unmistakable kick and warmth.
• Rice
  The rice is the canvas for all those flavorful ingredients to stick to. It absorbs the taco seasoning and gives you a fluffy, satisfying bite that’s both filling and delicious. It’s the heart of the skillet, soaking up all those tasty juices.
• Diced Tomatoes
  Tomatoes add a juicy, tangy note to the dish, helping to balance out the richness of the beef and cheese. Their slight acidity cuts through the heaviness and adds a fresh element to the overall flavor.
• Green Chilies
  A bit of heat with a mild, smoky flavor. The green chilies give just the right amount of zing without overpowering the dish, adding an extra layer of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Cheese (Sharp Cheddar & Monterey Jack)
  The cheese is what turns this skillet from delicious to indulgent. Sharp cheddar brings a tangy bite, while Monterey Jack melts into a creamy, smooth texture, creating pockets of gooey goodness throughout the dish.
• Olive Oil
  A simple yet essential ingredient for sautéing the beef and creating a smooth base. It helps to cook the meat evenly and brings a subtle richness without being too heavy.
• Sour Cream (optional topping)
  A dollop of sour cream on top adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy, cheesy skillet. It’s the perfect finishing touch that ties all the flavors together and adds a refreshing creaminess.

How to Make Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

STEP 1: Heat the olive oil
In a large skillet, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Let it get hot and shimmering, but not smoking, before adding the ground beef.

STEP 2: Cook the ground beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally, cooking until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed, but leave just a little for extra flavor.

STEP 3: Add taco seasoning
Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in your taco seasoning. Stir well to coat the meat, making sure the seasoning gets evenly distributed. Let it cook for another minute or so to allow the spices to bloom.

STEP 4: Add the rice
Stir in the uncooked rice, allowing it to toast lightly in the beef mixture for about 2 minutes. This helps the rice absorb all those savory taco flavors before you add any liquid.

STEP 5: Add diced tomatoes and green chilies
Pour in the diced tomatoes and green chilies, along with their juices. Stir everything together to combine.

STEP 6: Add water or broth
Pour in 2 cups of water or broth (chicken or beef broth both work wonderfully here). Stir to combine, making sure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid.

STEP 7: Simmer the rice
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure the liquid doesn’t evaporate too quickly; add a splash more water if needed.

STEP 8: Add the cheese
Once the rice is cooked and the liquid has mostly absorbed, sprinkle the sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

STEP 9: Serve and top
Remove the skillet from the heat, give everything a final stir to mix in the cheese, and serve hot. Top with sour cream, cilantro, and a few slices of avocado if you like. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

• Taco Night, but in a Skillet
  Why not make taco night even easier by serving this cheesy skillet in taco shells? Scoop a hearty portion into crispy taco shells and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime. It’s a fun, handheld twist on the classic, and the cheese adds a melty surprise with every bite.
• On the Side of a Fresh Salad
  Pairing this skillet with a light and refreshing side salad can help balance out the richness. Think crisp romaine, some sliced radishes, and a zesty lime vinaigrette. The crunchiness of the salad provides a great contrast to the creamy, cheesy rice and beef.
• With a Side of Guac and Chips
  Take it over the top by serving the skillet alongside some homemade guacamole and crispy tortilla chips. The creamy guac with a hint of lime will complement the spiced meat and cheesy rice, while the chips offer the perfect crunch to round out the meal.

What’s your go-to way of serving a skillet like this? I love hearing how you all make it your own!

How to Store Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), storing this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is easy, and it keeps pretty well too. First things first, let the skillet cool down to room temperature before you store it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy when you reheat it later.

Once it’s cooled, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. You’ll want to store it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself looking forward to that next meal because it’s just as flavorful the second time around.

For longer storage, you can freeze the skillet! Scoop out the leftovers into a freezer-safe container, making sure to leave a little space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The cheese might lose a bit of its smooth melt, but trust me, it’ll still taste amazing.

If you’re planning to enjoy it soon, reheating in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth works wonders. You’ll get that cheesy goodness back without drying it out!

Conclusion

And there you have it—a cozy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying dish that’s as simple to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight or sharing it with friends and family, this Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet is bound to become a favorite. With the savory ground beef, the melty cheese, and the pop of flavor from the tomatoes and green chilies, every bite is packed with comfort and warmth. Plus, the versatility of this dish lets you make it your own—add extra heat, pile on your favorite toppings, or even swap out ingredients based on what you’ve got in the pantry.

So, what do you think? Do you have any fun twists you’d love to try with this recipe, or any questions on how to make it just right? I’d love to hear your thoughts or any feedback if you give it a go! Cooking is always more fun when we can share ideas and make something special together. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how your skillet turns out!

Print Recipe

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Author: Maria Bennet Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 45 mins

Calories: 550

Description

A savory, one-pan wonder! Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet combines tender rice, seasoned taco meat, and melted cheese, all simmered together with bold flavors and a touch of spice. It's a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy as it is delicious!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 1 cup long grain white rice

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¹⁄₂ cup sour cream

• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped green onions

• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
3. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and return it to the heat.
4. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef, then stir to combine.
5. Add the rice to the skillet and stir to mix it evenly with the beef and seasoning.
6. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, stirring to combine.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
8. Cover the skillet and let the rice cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
9. Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
10. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the rice mixture.
11. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
12. Stir the cheese into the rice until it is fully melted and combined.
13. Add the sour cream to the skillet and stir it in until evenly distributed.
14. Top the skillet with chopped green onions and cilantro.
15. Serve immediately, and enjoy your cheesy taco rice skillet!

Note

• Be sure to drain the excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy dish.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lime juice when serving.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
• If you like spice, add some jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.

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