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Easy Budget Beef Taco Rice Skillet Recipe for Quick Family Dinners

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A quick, budget-friendly, and comforting one-pan meal combining ground beef, rice, and taco seasoning, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 cup white or brown rice (190 g)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (411 g)
  • 2 cups beef broth or water (480 ml)
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne)
  • 1 cup frozen corn (150 g), optional
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100 g)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Push the beef to one side of the pan and add the diced onion and garlic to the empty side. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and onion mixture. Stir to coat evenly.
  5. Add 1 cup of rice and the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Mix well to coat the rice with seasoning and tomato juices.
  6. Pour in 2 cups of beef broth or water. Stir once, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer gently for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid frequently.
  7. Stir in frozen corn, then sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top. Cover again for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the skillet sit off heat for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

If rice is not tender after 20 minutes, add a splash more broth or water, cover, and cook a few more minutes. Browning beef well adds flavor. Season early for best taste. Rinsing rice before cooking prevents clumping. Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking. Variations include swapping beef for turkey, mushrooms, or lentils; adding jalapeños for heat; or using different grains like quinoa or cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef taco skillet, easy dinner, budget meal, quick family dinner, one-pan meal, taco rice skillet, ground beef recipe

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/easy-budget-beef-taco-rice-skillet-recipe-for-quick-family-dinners/