The Easy Beef and Bean Taco Rice Skillet combines the classic flavors of tacos into a simple, one-pan meal. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner and utilizes everyday ingredients like ground beef, rice, and beans, melded with the zest of Rotel tomatoes and spices. It’s an efficient way to quickly get a satisfying and hearty meal on the table.
Easy Beef and Bean Taco Rice Skillet
I am so in love with skillet meals right now, which is perfect because they seem to be blowing up the Pinterestsphere lately. What’s not to like though? Delicious food cooked in one skillet? ONE pan to clean? I’m sold.
This beef and bean taco rice skillet is a major favorite for me because it is SO easy to throw together. I got so excited to photograph (and eat!) this, that I completely forgot my former plans to completely cover this in cheese and then bake it. I guess that’ll be our dinner for tonight, but for lunch? I wasn’t even missing the cheese.
Its packed with flavor, filled with protein, and done in about 40 minutes. Done and done. Now we’ll see if I can get my kids to eat it despite the BEANS!
If you like this easy dinner idea, you’ll love these!
Why you’ll love this dish…
- Convenience: Everything cooks in two skillets, meaning fewer dishes and less hassle.
- Flavorful: The combination of ground beef, beans, and spices ensures a rich, taco-like taste in every bite.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite taco toppings like cheese, sour cream, and avocados.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that’s adaptable to various taste preferences and perfect for a family meal.
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Beef and Bean Rice Skillet shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Ground Beef
- Salt
- Pepper
- Long-Grain White Rice
- Bacon Grease (or Oil)
- Water
- Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies
- Onion Powder
- Chili Powder
- Salsa
- Seasoned Black Beans
- Cheese
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How to make Beef & Bean Taco Rice
Wondering what you’re getting yourself into when you make this dish? Here’s a quick overview of the process! Make sure you follow the instructions at the recipe card at the bottom of the post while you’re cooking.
- Brown the Beef: Start by cooking the ground beef with salt and pepper in the skillet until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Toast the Rice: In the same skillet, add bacon grease and rice, cooking until golden.
- Simmer with Flavors: Pour in water, Rotel, spices, and salsa. Simmer until the rice is partly cooked.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the skillet, add black beans, and continue cooking until the rice is tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dish out the skillet meal and top with your favorite taco accompaniments like sour cream or avocado.
Try our Cilantro Lime Crema!
Taco Rice FAQ
How can I store and reheat this dish?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in a microwave, adding a splash of water if the rice has dried out.
Can I prepare this meal in advance?
Yes, you can prepare components like the rice and beef ahead of time. Store them separately and combine in the skillet when ready to finish cooking.
Are there any substitutions I can make?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef. You can also use any beans you prefer or add different vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
Try our Cilantro Lime Rice, too!
Serve this with…
More great recipes with rice to love!
More Easy Dinner Ideas
- Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Rigatoni
- Creamy Mushroom Crock Pot Pork Chops
- Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
- Chicken (or Turkey) Noodle Soup with Homemade Noodles
- French Onion Stuffed Meatballs
Eat More Tacos
Easy Beef and Bean Taco Rice Skillet
This one-pot taco rice skillet is a whole meal in a pan! A delicious and easy homemade change-up for your family taco night.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 teaspoons bacon grease (or oil)
- 3 cups water
- 1 - 10 ounce can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 - 15.5 ounce can seasoned black beans
- 2 cups cheese
Instructions
- Put a large skillet on the stove over medium-high heat.
- Place the ground beef inside and season with salt and pepper. Brown, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain well, and put in a separate bowl.
- In the same skillet, place the bacon grease and the white rice. Sauté over medium heat until the rice is light golden brown.
- Add 2 1/2 cups water, Rotel, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and salsa. Simmer over medium-low heat for 20 minutes.
- Add the black beans and ground beef back into the skillet, stir, and continue cooking for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Serve immediately with salsa, sour cream, avocados, and fresh cilantro. For extra indulgence, cover in Mexican blend cheese, cover the pan, and melt cheese over low heat.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 334Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 753mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 4gSugar: 1gProtein: 23g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these things for medical purposes please consult an outside, trusted source. Thanks!
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.
Steak and Potato Pie - Or Whatever You Do
Thursday 15th of January 2015
[…] Beef and Bean Skillet Taco Rice […]
Melanie | Melanie Makes
Sunday 11th of January 2015
What a great weekday dinner idea - can't wait to give it a try!
Nicole Johnson
Monday 12th of January 2015
Thanks, Melanie!! <3
Rachel @ The Stay At Home Chef
Saturday 10th of January 2015
A recipe that lists bacon grease as one of the ingredients is one I know I'll love!
Nicole Johnson
Monday 12th of January 2015
Right? I almost always have a little tin of bacon grease in my fridge just waiting to get pulled out. YUM.
Michelle ~ My Gluten-free Kitchen
Saturday 10th of January 2015
So glad to read the ingredients and see this is free of any gluten! Yes! I need more skillet dinner options!
Nicole Johnson
Saturday 10th of January 2015
Nice! Bonus! It wasn't on purpose, but I'm glad that it suits your needs, Michelle! :)
Jenn @ Deliciously Sprinkled
Saturday 10th of January 2015
YUM! I love making skillets for dinner and I can't wait to your recipe this week! :)
Nicole Johnson
Saturday 10th of January 2015
Thanks, Jenn! Let me know what you think!