Can I make Beef Taco Rice with store-bought taco seasoning?

Yes. Replace the homemade taco seasoning with approximately 2 tablespoons of your favorite packaged taco seasoning. Keep in mind that store-bought blends can contain considerably more salt, so you may want to reduce or omit the additional salt until you taste the finished dish.

Why is my rice still hard?

If the liquid has been absorbed but the rice is still slightly firm, add about 1/4 cup additional beef stock or water. Cover and continue cooking over low heat for another 3 to 5 minutes.

Can I make Beef Taco Rice spicy?

Yes. Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the taco seasoning, use Pepper Jack cheese or add diced jalapeños to the skillet with the bell peppers.

Can I use brown rice?

You can, but brown rice requires considerably more cooking time and may require additional liquid. For the easiest and most consistent results, long-grain white rice works best in this recipe.

Beef Taco Rice | Charlotte Fashion Plate

Name: Beef Taco Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American/Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, preferably 80/20; 1/2 medium white onion, diced; 1/2 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 green bell pepper, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning (recipe below); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained; 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained; 2 cups beef stock; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1 cup fresh corn kernels; 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup shredded Mexican blend or Monterey Jack cheese; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; Lime wedges, for serving; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder

Description

This Easy Beef Taco Rice is prepared with seasoned ground beef, peppers, corn, black beans, tender rice and melted cheese, all made in one skillet.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef, preferably 80/20
1/2 medium white onion, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning (recipe below)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
2 cups beef stock
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup shredded Mexican blend or Monterey Jack cheese
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Homemade Taco Seasoning:

2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

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Instructions

Combine all of the seasonings together for the taco seasoning in a small bowl.
Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. Cook, breaking apart the beef as it browns, for about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain excess grease.
Season the ground beef with two tablespoons of the taco seasoning. Stir to coat.
Add the onion, garlic, diced red and green bell peppers. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the tomato paste. Cook for another minute.
Add the rinsed rice. Stir well to coat the rice in the seasoned beef mixture.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chiles and beef stock. Add the salt, fresh corn and black beans. Stir to combine.
Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover.
Simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, without removing the lid, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the taco rice to rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice gently. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve with lime wedges and your favorite taco toppings.
ENJOY!

Equipment

Caraway Sauté Pan

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Notes

Rinse the rice thoroughly before adding it to the skillet to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming overly sticky.
Use a skillet with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam and allow the rice to cook evenly.
Avoid lifting the lid while the rice is simmering. Keeping it covered helps maintain the proper temperature and moisture.
Allow the Beef Taco Rice to rest, covered, for 5 minutes after cooking so the rice can absorb any remaining moisture.
For a spicier taco rice, add cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning or use hot diced tomatoes with green chiles.
You will not use all of the homemade taco seasoning for this recipe. Store the remaining seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for later use.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner, Meal Prep
Method: Easy
Cuisine: American/Mexican