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In today’s fast-paced world, one-pan meals have gained immense popularity due to their convenience and versatility. They offer a simple solution for busy weeknights, allowing families to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals without the hassle of extensive preparation and cleanup. Among the myriad of one-pan recipes, the One-Pan Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet stands out as a hearty and satisfying option that combines a medley of flavors and textures in a single dish. This recipe brings together the beloved flavors of tacos in a creamy, cheesy rice skillet that is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

One-Pan Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Discover the ultimate weeknight dinner with this One-Pan Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet recipe! Perfect for busy families, this hearty dish combines savory ground meat, vibrant veggies, and gooey cheese into a single skillet for easy cooking and cleanup. The flavors of tacos shine through each bite, making it a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, this recipe transforms dinner into a delightful feast. Enjoy a comforting and nutritious meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color you prefer)

1 cup long-grain white rice, thoroughly rinsed

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth

1 tablespoon taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef or turkey. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Brown the meat for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. If there's excess fat, drain it from the skillet.

    Sauté the Vegetables: To the skillet, incorporate the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté them together for approximately 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.

      Mix in the Main Ingredients: Add the rinsed rice, black beans, diced tomatoes (including their juices), chicken or vegetable broth, taco seasoning, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir the mixture well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly combined.

        Simmer the Mixture: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow it to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

          Incorporate the Cheese: After simmering, remove the skillet from heat. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover it for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.

            Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted, uncover the skillet and generously sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve the dish hot, accompanied by lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 40 mins | Serves 4