One-Pan Taco Rice Dinner: A Flavorful 30-Minute Meal

Introduction

This One-Pan Taco Rice Dinner is the ultimate quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal! Packed with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, black beans, corn, and melted cheese, it’s a complete, family-friendly dish that cooks in a single skillet—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in 30 minutes – Perfect for busy nights
One-pan wonder – Less mess, more flavor
Customizable – Swap proteins, veggies, or spice level
Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Taco Rice:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For Toppings (Optional):

• Sour cream
• Diced avocado
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Meat & Veggies

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

2. Add Seasonings & Rice

1. Stir in taco seasoning, then add uncooked rice. Toast for 1 minute.
2. Mix in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and broth.

3. Simmer & Melt Cheese

1. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes (until rice is tender).
2. Remove from heat, sprinkle with cheese, and cover for 2 minutes to melt.

4. Serve & Garnish

1. Fluff with a fork and top with your favorites: sour cream, avocado, cilantro, etc.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, squeeze lime juice over the top before serving!

Expert Tips for the Best Taco Rice

Variations & Swaps

• Vegetarian? Use plant-based crumbles and veggie broth.
• Extra veggies? Add zucchini or mushrooms.
• Spice it up – Use hot taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Fridge: Keeps for 3-4 days (reheat with a splash of broth).
• Freeze: Store in airtight containers for 1 month.

Troubleshooting

Problem: Rice not cooked?
Solution: Add ¼ cup more broth and simmer longer.

Problem: Too spicy?
Solution: Balance with extra cheese or sour cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice?

Yes! Increase liquid to 2 ½ cups and cook 40-45 minutes.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

Make your own: 1 tbsp chili powder + 1 tsp cumin + ½ tsp each paprika, garlic powder, salt.

Can I make this in a rice cooker?

Yes! Sauté meat/veggies first, then transfer and cook as usual.

Why This Meal is a Weeknight Winner

Bold, restaurant-style flavors – No bland dinners here!
Feeds a crowd – Easily doubled for leftovers
Endless topping options – Let everyone customize their bowl

One-Pan Taco Rice Dinner: A Flavorful 30-Minute Meal

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• Author: Lara Smith
• Total Time: 35 mins

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Description

Tantalize your taste buds with this mouthwatering one-pan taco rice dinner! It’s a delightful fusion of flavors that’ll leave you craving for more. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, diced

1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

1 cup frozen corn

1 cup uncooked long grain white rice

1 packet taco seasoning

1 ½ cups beef broth

Salt and pepper to taste

Shredded cheese, for topping

Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is translucent. Drain excess grease.

Stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), tomato sauce, frozen corn, uncooked rice, taco seasoning, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cover and let it sit for a few minutes until cheese is melted.

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

With just one pan and a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up this delicious taco rice dinner in no time! It’s a hassle-free meal that’s packed with flavor and sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try tonight!