Description
A flavorful and hearty one-pot taco rice skillet combining seasoned ground beef, rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, and bell peppers, all cooked together and topped with melted cheese and fresh green onions for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Grains and Spices
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Other
- 2 cups water
- Oil for sautéing (about 1 tbsp)
Instructions
- Heat Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil to prevent sticking and help sauté the vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant, which helps build flavor in the dish.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, stirring and breaking it up, until it is browned and crumbled evenly throughout.
- Add Rice and Spices: Stir in the long-grain rice, cumin, and chili powder, coating the rice well in the spices and meat drippings to infuse flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: Mix in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the rinsed black beans, distributing them evenly in the skillet.
- Simmer the Rice: Pour 2 cups of water over the ingredients, ensuring they are covered by about an inch. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Add Cheese and Green Onions: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the cooked rice mixture, cover briefly to allow the cheese to melt, then garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef for a lighter version.
- To make it spicier, add a diced jalapeño or increase the chili powder.
- Use low-sodium beans and tomatoes to reduce salt content if desired.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans or vegetables.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt when serving.
