Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired taco rice blends zesty flavors from Tex-Mex cuisine into one comforting skillet meal. Quick and satisfying, this dish promises a delicious adventure you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
Grains and Starches:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
Toppings and Extras:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 cup cooked black beans
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup water
- Sour cream for garnish
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare fluffy rice according to package directions, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown ground meat, crumbling it into small pieces while cooking.
- Drain excess fat from the meat, then stir in taco seasoning and required water, simmering for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly.
- Transfer the cooked rice to a spacious mixing bowl, gently fold in the seasoned meat mixture ensuring complete integration.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the warm rice and meat, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a creamy texture.
- Incorporate salsa into the rice-meat mixture, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors and heat through.
- Plate the taco rice in individual serving dishes, creating an inviting base for additional toppings.
- Garnish with crisp lettuce, juicy diced tomatoes, briny black olives, and a generous dollop of cool sour cream.
- Finish with a fresh sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a vibrant, aromatic touch.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying this hearty and flavorful one-pan meal.
Notes
- Choose lean ground meat to reduce fat content and make the dish healthier.
- Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative.
- Experiment with different protein options like shredded chicken or plant-based crumbles for dietary variety.
- Add extra spices like cumin or chili powder to boost flavor complexity without increasing calories.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg