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Quick One-Pan Ground Beef Taco Rice Skillet

one-pan ground beef taco rice skillet - featured image

A fast, easy, and flavorful one-pan meal combining ground beef, rice, and taco seasoning, perfect for busy weeknights and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 small onion, diced (optional)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. If skipping onions, add extra garlic.
  3. Add ground beef, crumble and cook until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and stir to coat evenly; cook for 1-2 minutes to toast spices.
  5. Stir in uncooked rice, coating it with beef and seasoning.
  6. Add diced tomatoes with juices and beef broth or water.
  7. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Cover skillet and reduce heat to low; cook for 18-20 minutes without stirring.
  9. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  10. Uncover and fluff rice gently with a fork.
  11. Add optional toppings as desired and serve hot.

Notes

If rice is not tender after 20 minutes, add a splash more broth or water, cover again, and cook a few more minutes. Keep lid closed during cooking to trap steam. For gluten-free, verify taco seasoning ingredients. Leftovers store well in fridge up to 3 days and freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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