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Easy One-Skillet Cheesy Taco Ground Beef and Rice Bake

one skillet cheesy taco ground beef and rice bake - featured image
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A quick and easy one-skillet bake combining taco-seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth, low sodium
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn.
  4. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Break apart and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
  6. Stir in taco seasoning and cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
  7. Add rinsed rice, canned diced tomatoes with juices, and beef broth. Stir to combine evenly.
  8. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, cover skillet with lid or foil, and transfer to the preheated oven.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Check around 20 minutes to avoid drying out.
  10. Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to oven uncovered for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and make serving easier.

Notes

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld. If rice is undercooked, bake an additional 5-10 minutes with a splash of broth or water. Use medium heat when browning beef to avoid uneven cooking. Rinse rice to remove excess starch and prevent gummy texture. Cover skillet while baking to trap steam and cook rice evenly.

Nutrition

Keywords: one skillet, taco, ground beef, rice bake, cheesy, quick dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/easy-one-skillet-cheesy-taco-ground-beef-and-rice-bake-recipe-for-perfect-weeknight-dinner/