Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 1⁄2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, sour cream, tortilla chips
Instructions
- Brown the beef
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. You want it nicely browned, which takes about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using a lean cut, you shouldn’t have much grease, but if it’s looking oily, drain off any excess. - Add the veggies
Toss in the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. These will soften and release their flavors after about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning—there’s nothing worse than burnt garlic! - Season it up
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and give everything a good stir. This step wakes up the spices and ensures every bite is flavorful. - Incorporate rice, beans, salsa, and broth
Add the rice, black beans, salsa, and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer. This is where the magic happens—the rice absorbs all those amazing flavors. - Simmer and melt
Let the skillet cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The rice should be tender, and most of the liquid absorbed. At this point, toss in the frozen corn and stir. Top everything with a layer of shredded cheese, cover the skillet again, and let it sit off the heat for a few minutes until the cheese melts. - Serve and garnish
Spoon generous portions onto plates and top with your favorite taco garnishes. I usually go for a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. For a bit of crunch, crushed tortilla chips make a great topping
Notes
Serving ideas and presentation
Serve this taco skillet right out of the pan for a family-style meal, or plate it up with a sprinkle of extra cheese and a few slices of fresh avocado on top. If you’re hosting, consider setting out a toppings bar with options like diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, and hot sauce. Tortilla chips on the side are a great crunchy addition, and they’re perfect for scooping up bites.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner