One-Pan Taco Rice Skillet
One-Pan Taco Rice Skillet brings seasoned beef, rice, tomatoes, and corn together in a fast 30-minute dinner with taco-night flavor for just $2.36 per serving.
One-Pan Taco Rice Skillet is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels familiar, filling, and easy to repeat. It takes basic pantry ingredients and turns them into a full meal with minimal cleanup.
The budget win comes from stretching one pound of ground beef with rice, tomatoes, and corn, so every serving is hearty without driving up cost. The seasoning stays simple but still gives that taco-night flavor people actually crave.
Keep this one in your regular rotation for nights when everyone is hungry and time is short. Leftovers reheat well, so dinner today can become an easy lunch tomorrow.
One-Pan Taco Rice Skillet
One-Pan Taco Rice Skillet brings seasoned beef, rice, tomatoes, and corn together in a fast 30-minute dinner with taco-night flavor for just $2.36 per serving.
Editorial score based on test-kitchen reliability, flavor balance, and budget value.
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
30 min
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Seasoning
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it up until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- 2
Stir in chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- 3
Add rinsed rice, diced tomatoes with juices, corn, and chicken broth. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- 4
Simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender. Sprinkle cheddar over the top, cover for 1 minute to melt, then serve.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
498 kcal
Calories
28g
Protein
47g
Carbs
21g
Fat
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice in taco rice skillet?▾
Yes, but brown rice needs a longer cook time and more liquid. Add about 1/2 cup extra broth and simmer closer to 35 to 40 minutes. For the 30-minute version, white rice is the best fit.
Can I make taco rice skillet ahead for lunches?▾
Absolutely. Portion it into containers once cooled and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth so the rice stays soft and fluffy.
What can I add to stretch this recipe on a tight budget?▾
Add a can of drained black beans or pinto beans during the last 5 minutes to increase volume and protein cheaply. You can also serve with shredded lettuce and extra salsa to make it feel like a bigger meal.
HomeMealHacks Team
We're a team of home cooks passionate about making delicious food accessible to every budget. Every recipe is tested, costed, and designed to save you money without sacrificing flavor.
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