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The Viral Taco Skillet (One-Pan Cheesy Mexican Beef & Rice)

This Viral Taco Skillet is a one-pan weeknight dinner made with ground beef, black beans, corn, and rice — all simmered in homemade taco seasoning and topped with melty cheese. Simple, cozy, and picky-eater approved!
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The Viral Taco Skillet (One-Pan Cheesy Mexican Beef & Rice)
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:23 minutes
Total Time:28 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika smoked if you have it
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp kosher salt or to taste
  • 10 oz can Red Gold Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilis Original
  • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn rinsed (frozen or canned)
  • ¾ cup basmati rice rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tsp Knorr bouillon
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese Colby Jack or equal parts mozzarella + cheddar

Instructions

  • Brown the Beef: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet (cast iron if you have one) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef as it browns, until the onion is soft and translucent — about 5–7 minutes.
  • Add Garlic + Toast the Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Toast the spices with the beef for 1–2 minutes — this step gives the dish that deep, smoky taco flavor.
  • Add Everything Else: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilis, black beans, corn, rice, water, and bouillon. Stir it all together until well combined.
  • Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Give it a stir halfway through to make sure nothing sticks.
  • Cheese Time: Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover again for a few minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, golden blanket of perfection.
  • Serve + Enjoy: Serve straight from the skillet — it’s family-style dinner magic. Top with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or a few crushed tortilla chips if you’re feeling fancy.
Servings: 5