One-Pan Taco Skillet is a simple and delicious dish that brings together all your favorite taco flavors in one easy skillet. Ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and a mix of classic taco spices all cook together to make a hearty and tasty meal. The best part is it all comes together quickly with minimal cleanup.
I love making this recipe on busy weeknights when I want something tasty but don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The smell of the spices cooking fills the house and makes everyone eager to eat. I usually top it off with some shredded cheese, sour cream, and a handful of fresh cilantro to add freshness and creaminess.
My favorite way to serve One-Pan Taco Skillet is with warm tortillas on the side so everyone can make their own tacos or just enjoy it as a filling bowl. It’s also great for leftovers and reheats really well, making it a perfect answer to busy days or last-minute dinners. This recipe always feels like a little fiesta in a pan!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives the dish its meaty flavor and heartiness. If you want to lighten it up, ground turkey or chicken work great too. For a vegetarian twist, try crumbled tofu or cooked lentils.
Rice: Long-grain white rice cooks nicely with the other ingredients and soaks up flavors well. You can swap it with brown rice for more fiber, but remember it needs longer cooking time.
Diced Tomatoes: They add moisture and a fresh tang. If you don’t have canned diced tomatoes, fresh chopped tomatoes or a little tomato sauce can do the job.
Taco Seasoning: This blend of spices brings all the Mexican flavors. You can buy pre-made packets or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Try Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend if you want a different taste. Vegan cheese works well for dairy-free versions.
How Do You Get the Rice Cooked Perfectly in One Pan?
Cooking rice right in the skillet with the other ingredients can be tricky. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- First, brown the beef and soften the onions well to build flavor.
- Add the uncooked rice, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and broth all at once, then stir gently so the rice is evenly distributed.
- Bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.
- Leave the skillet undisturbed—don’t lift the lid too often—so steam cooks the rice evenly.
- Check for tenderness around 18 minutes; if it needs more time, add a splash of broth and cook a few minutes longer.
Following these steps will give you fluffy rice that has soaked up all those tasty spices. Patience here really pays off!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet with a lid – I prefer a deep skillet so everything cooks evenly and you can cover it easily during simmering.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps mix and break up the meat without scratching the pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurately adding liquids and seasonings.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for cooked chicken, turkey, or crumbled tofu to change the protein.
- Mix in cooked black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika for a spicy twist.
- Top with sliced jalapeños, avocado, or sour cream for more creaminess and a fresh kick.
One-Pan Taco Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning mix (or homemade equivalent)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 35 minutes total — around 10 minutes to prepare and brown the meat and veggies, then about 20 minutes to simmer and cook the rice, plus a few minutes to melt the cheese and garnish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion & Garlic:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Turn the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it off.
3. Add Rice, Tomatoes, Seasoning & Broth:
Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, taco seasoning mix, and beef broth. Mix everything well, making sure the rice is evenly spread out in the skillet.
4. Simmer Until Rice is Tender:
Bring the mixture up to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. Check the rice – it should be tender, and the liquid fully absorbed.
5. Add Cheese & Garnish:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, then cover again for 3-5 minutes to let the cheese melt. Finally, garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro leaves.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your One-Pan Taco Skillet hot, with optional sides like warm tortillas, sour cream, or salsa. It’s a flavorful, easy meal that the whole family will love!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the ground beef in the refrigerator before cooking. This helps it brown evenly and prevents excess moisture in the skillet.
Can I Substitute Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
You can! Keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook—about 40-45 minutes—so you’ll need to adjust the simmering time and possibly add more broth or water.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for cooked beans, crumbled tofu, or your favorite plant-based meat substitute to keep it delicious and hearty.