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Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet (Quick Mexican Skillet Dinner)

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet in cast iron pan with toppings
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A quick and easy protein-packed Mexican skillet made with lean ground beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and melted Colby Jack cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • ½ medium onion, diced
  • 3 tbsp taco seasoning
  • ½ cup prepared salsa (not thick and chunky)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, not drained
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles
  • 1 (8.5 oz) bag Ready Rice, microwaved (e.g., Uncle Ben’s Spicy Mexican style)
  • 4 oz Colby Jack cheese, shredded from the block
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and spray with avocado oil or olive oil.

2. Add the ground beef and onions and cook for 8–10 minutes until meat is no longer pink and onions are soft.

3. Preheat the oven to Broil and position the rack in the middle setting.

4. Add taco seasoning and salsa to the skillet, stir well to combine.

5. Add the black beans, corn (with liquid), and diced tomatoes (with liquid), stir and simmer for 5–6 minutes until most liquid is cooked down.

6. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, stir to combine.

7. Top with shredded cheese and place under the broiler until cheese is bubbly (about 1 minute), watching carefully.

8. Garnish with desired toppings and serve immediately.

Notes

Shred your own cheese for best melting—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer mixture to a baking dish before broiling.

Enhance flavor with extra aromatics like bell peppers or minced garlic.

To make it spicier, add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. A spicier salsa also works.

Use cooked long-grain rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice as a substitute for ready rice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://paulakitchen.com/cheesy-taco-rice-skillet/