Hamburger Meat Taco Rice Skillet

Name: Hamburger Meat Taco Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup uncooked rice; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup shredded cheese; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1/2 cup diced bell pepper; 1/2 cup diced onion; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped cilantro for garnish; Sour cream and avocado for serving

Highlighted under: Weeknight Wonders

I absolutely love making Hamburger Meat Taco Rice Skillet because it combines all the flavors of taco night into one easy dish. This one-pan recipe is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of seasoned hamburger meat, fluffy rice, and vibrant toppings makes it a standout meal that everyone at my dinner table enjoys. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize according to your family's taste preferences—what's not to love about that?

Created by

Lacey Montgomery

Last updated on 2026-02-27T20:57:36.093Z

When I first tried the Hamburger Meat Taco Rice Skillet, it instantly became a family favorite. The method of cooking everything in one skillet not only saves time but also ensures that the flavors meld beautifully together. I love the way the spices warm up the ground beef, creating a delicious base for the rice to soak up.

One tip I found particularly useful is to let the rice cook uncovered for a few minutes towards the end. This helps in achieving that perfect texture—fluffy yet slightly crispy at the bottom. It's such a simple trick that adds a wonderful dimension to the dish!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy one-pan meal
Packed with all your favorite taco flavors
Customizable with various toppings
Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings

      

Preparation Tips

To ensure your Hamburger Meat Taco Rice Skillet comes together smoothly, prepare your ingredients before you start cooking. Chop the bell pepper and onion, measure out your rice, and have your taco seasoning ready to go. This not only speeds up the cooking process but also prevents you from missing any key steps. Utilizing a large skillet or Dutch oven is ideal; it gives you ample space for all the components and allows for even cooking.

When using ground beef, opt for an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best balance of flavor and moisture. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted. Just be cautious with cooking times; lean meats can dry out faster. Also, if you have a favorite homemade taco seasoning, feel free to use that in place of the packet for a personalized touch.

Serving Variations

This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings. If you're a fan of spice, consider adding jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top. For a refreshing contrast, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and guacamole are excellent choices. Serve with tortilla chips for added crunch or crunchy taco shells for a fun presentation. You can even swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, keeping the dish lighter yet equally satisfying.

Another idea is to transform this skillet into a burrito bowl. Simply serve the cooked mixture over a bed of fresh greens with a garnish of your favorite burrito toppings like black beans or salsa. This not only enhances flavor but also elevates your meal with a fresh crunch from the greens, making it great for any season.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare Hamburger Meat Taco Rice Skillet:

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
2 cups beef broth
1 cup shredded cheese
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
1/2 cup diced onion
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped cilantro for garnish
Sour cream and avocado for serving

Your delicious Hamburger Meat Taco Rice Skillet is just a few steps away!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your meal:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened.

Add Seasoning

Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, and corn. Bring to a simmer.

Incorporate Rice

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cover, reduce heat, and let simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Final Touch

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and your choice of toppings.

Savor the incredible flavors of your Hamburger Meat Taco Rice Skillet!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños when cooking the beef. You can also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Hamburger Meat Taco Rice Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When storing, let the dish cool completely to prevent condensation and sogginess. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist, stirring until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

For longer storage, consider freezing the skillet. Transfer the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can last for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it as described. Freezing can slightly change the texture of the rice, but the flavors will remain intact.

Scaling the Recipe

This Hamburger Meat Taco Rice Skillet is easy to scale up or down depending on your needs. If you’re cooking for a crowd, simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or prepare it in batches. Be mindful of cooking times, as larger quantities may require a few extra minutes of simmering to ensure that the rice cooks thoroughly and absorbs all the flavors. Adjust the amount of liquid slightly if you scale up to account for the increased rice volume.

For smaller servings, you can halve the recipe with minimal adjustments. However, keep an eye on the cooking time since halving might lead to quicker cooking. Additionally, consider cooking leftovers for lunch the next day instead of halving; the flavors deepen after sitting for a bit—making it an excellent choice for meal prep or on-the-go dining!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to extend the simmering time.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat when you're ready to serve.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free taco seasoning and check the broth label for any gluten-containing ingredients.

→ What other toppings can I use?

You can customize this dish with toppings like diced tomatoes, lettuce, olives, or different types of cheese!