Make weeknight dinner a breeze with this 30-minute, one-pan Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet! Packed with protein, flavor, and minimal cleanup, it’s loaded with seasoned ground beef, black beans, sweet corn, ready rice, and melty cheese. Topped with fresh cilantro, avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips, this skillet is your new go-to for taco night or a quick, comforting meal.

Ingredients

For the Skillet:

1 lb lean ground beef (or substitute ground turkey/chicken)
1 medium onion, diced
2 tsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can sweet corn, undrained
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Ro-Tel)
2 cups cooked rice (ready rice or pre-cooked)
1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack, cheddar, or Mexican blend cheese

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh cilantro, chopped
Sliced avocado
Sour cream
Crushed tortilla chips
Sliced jalapeños or hot sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef & Onions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a light spray of nonstick cooking spray. Add the ground beef and onions and cook until the meat is browned and the onions are soft.

Step 2: Simmer the Mixture
Stir in taco seasoning and salsa. Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Add Rice & Cheese
Fold in the cooked rice, then top the mixture with shredded cheese.

Step 4: Broil
Place the skillet under a preheated broiler on the middle rack until the cheese melts and bubbles (about 1–2 minutes).

Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with sliced avocado, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips. Add extra toppings like jalapeños, pico de gallo, or lime wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

Shred Your Own Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
No Oven-Safe Skillet? Prepare on the stovetop, transfer to a baking dish, and broil the cheese until bubbly.
Add Extra Veggies: Sauté diced bell peppers, garlic, or zucchini with onions for more flavor.
Spicy Version: Add jalapeños, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce to taste.
Rice Alternatives: Use long-grain, brown, or cauliflower rice for a lighter or different variation.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is perfect straight from the skillet or with a side of warm tortillas or tortilla chips to scoop up all the cheesy, beefy goodness. Pair it with pico de gallo, lime wedges, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.