Description
This hearty Taco Rice Skillet combines seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and rice cooked together in one pan, topped with melted Colby Jack cheese, fresh shredded lettuce, and optional black olives for a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Base
- 1 pound ground beef
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup parboiled rice
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until fully browned, which takes about 5 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet to maintain a lean dish.
- Add Ingredients and Seasonings: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, water, parboiled rice, and all the seasonings including chili powder, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried oregano. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the combined mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 25 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and cook through completely.
- Prepare Toppings and Serve: After the rice is fully cooked and tender, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top so it melts slightly. Add shredded lettuce and sliced black olives if using, then serve hot for a delicious, one-pan meal.
Notes
- Use parboiled rice for best texture; regular white rice can be used but may require slightly adjusted cooking times.
- Drain the ground beef well after browning to reduce grease and avoid sogginess.
- Customize toppings by adding diced avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add hot sauce before serving.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated, though the lettuce should be added fresh to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
