Description
A forgiving, beginner-proof weeknight dinner that cooks entirely in one skillet. This hearty meal combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy long-grain rice, black beans, and corn, topped with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting, restaurant-quality taste with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 packet taco seasoning (28g)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Dice onion, mince garlic, measure rice and broth, and drain/rinse beans.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break into small crumbles. Cook for 8-10 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until onion is soft. Add taco seasoning and stir to coat.
- Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir into the beef mixture for 1 minute to toast. Pour in chicken broth and stir. Add black beans and corn.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly with a lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid. Check for tenderness; add a splash of water if needed.
- Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes to melt cheese and finish absorbing moisture.
- Fluff rice with a fork and serve immediately with desired toppings.
Notes
Do not lift the lid while the rice is simmering to ensure proper steaming. Use long-grain white rice for best texture; brown rice requires more liquid and time. Drain grease from beef to prevent oily rice. For leftovers, reheat with a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with toppings
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 28
Keywords: one-pan dinner, ground beef recipe, taco skillet, cheesy rice, weeknight dinner, easy family meal, gluten-free option