Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will require about 10-15 minutes more cooking time and possibly an extra 1/2 cup of broth. The nutty flavor works wonderfully with the taco seasonings, but you'll need to adjust your timing accordingly.

What if I don't have taco seasoning packet?

No problem! Make your own by combining 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of cumin and paprika, 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt, plus 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. This homemade version actually lets you control the salt and avoid preservatives.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the ground beef with 2 cups of black beans or pinto beans (or a combination). You might want to add extra seasonings since the beans don't provide the same flavor as beef. Vegetable broth can replace the chicken broth for a fully vegetarian dish.

My family doesn't like cilantro—what can I use instead?

Cilantro definitely has strong supporters and detractors! If you're in the "tastes like soap" camp, replace it with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness, or simply omit it altogether. The dish will still be delicious without it.

Skillet Taco Rice Recipe

Name: Skillet Taco Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup diced yellow onion; 1 pound lean ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (1-ounce) package taco seasoning; 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked; 2 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 1/4 cups salsa; 1 cup grated cheddar cheese; 1 cup chopped cilantro; Diced tomatoes; Avocado; Sour cream; Green onion; Tortilla strips

This mouthwatering Skillet Taco Rice brings together all your favorite taco flavors in one easy, comforting dish. Combining seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder will become your new go-to meal when taco cravings strike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Family-Friendly: The familiar taco flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making dinner time struggle-free.
Customizable: The basic recipe is delicious on its own, but the toppings bar lets everyone personalize their portion exactly how they like it.
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and rice stretch your dollar while still delivering a satisfying, protein-packed meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive oil: Creates the perfect base for sautéing your onions and beef, adding a subtle richness.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation that mellows beautifully as it cooks.
Ground beef: The protein star of the show; lean beef offers flavor without excess fat.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that irreplaceable depth that powder just can’t match.
Taco seasoning: Your flavor shortcut! This spice blend brings all the Mexican-inspired flavors without measuring multiple spices.
Long grain white rice: Stays fluffy and separate when cooked, perfect for absorbing all those savory flavors.
Chicken broth: Adds much more flavor than water would when cooking the rice.
Salsa: Brings instant tomato flavor, spices, and a touch of acidity to balance the dish.
Cheddar cheese: Creates that irresistible melty, gooey element that brings everything together.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright finish that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Toppings: The fun part! Diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, green onions, and tortilla strips let everyone customize their bowl.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swap

Ground turkey or chicken works perfectly for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, use black beans or crumbled firm tofu instead of meat.

Heat Level Adjustments

Use mild, medium, or hot salsa depending on your spice preference. Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.

Mexican Rice Style

Add a can of drained corn and black beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a heartier, more colorful dish.

Lighter Version

Use cauliflower rice in place of half the white rice to add vegetables and reduce carbs.

How to Make Skillet Taco Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This creates a flavorful foundation for your dish.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Rice

Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the meat mixture and stir to coat everything well. Add the uncooked rice and stir for about 30 seconds to toast it slightly, enhancing its nutty flavor.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and salsa, stirring to combine and scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the cheese and cilantro on top, then cover and let sit for 2 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully. Serve with your favorite toppings for a customizable dinner experience.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Toast the rice: Before adding liquids, stir the uncooked rice in the seasoned beef mixture for 30 seconds to enhance its flavor.
Keep an eye on the liquid: Different brands of rice may absorb liquid differently. If your rice isn’t tender but the liquid is gone, add a splash more broth.
Non-stick is best: A good non-stick skillet with a lid makes this recipe much easier and prevents the rice from sticking.
Let it rest: That 2-minute rest after adding cheese is crucial—it allows the flavors to meld and the dish to set up perfectly.
Season at the end: Wait until after cooking to adjust salt levels, as both the taco seasoning and broth contain salt.

How to Serve

Main Event

Serve in bowls topped with your favorite taco fixings for a complete meal-in-one.

Stuffed Option

Use the taco rice mixture as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or burritos.

Bowl Bar

Create a “build your own” taco rice bowl bar for family dinner by setting out all the toppings separately.

Side Dish

Serve smaller portions alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover taco rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and get even better overnight!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just leave off any fresh toppings until after reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Microwave reheating works too—cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will require about 10-15 minutes more cooking time and possibly an extra 1/2 cup of broth. The nutty flavor works wonderfully with the taco seasonings, but you’ll need to adjust your timing accordingly.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning packet?

No problem! Make your own by combining 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of cumin and paprika, 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt, plus 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. This homemade version actually lets you control the salt and avoid preservatives.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the ground beef with 2 cups of black beans or pinto beans (or a combination). You might want to add extra seasonings since the beans don’t provide the same flavor as beef. Vegetable broth can replace the chicken broth for a fully vegetarian dish.
My family doesn’t like cilantro—what can I use instead?

Cilantro definitely has strong supporters and detractors! If you’re in the “tastes like soap” camp, replace it with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness, or simply omit it altogether. The dish will still be delicious without it.

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Taco Rice recipe truly delivers that comforting, satisfying taco flavor we all crave, but in a format that’s so much easier for busy weeknights. I love how it brings the family together—not just around the table, but in the kitchen too, as everyone adds their favorite toppings. Give it a try the next time taco night rolls around, and I bet it will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!