Bold, colorful, and made for warm nights, this summer beef taco rice skillet delivers big flavor in one pan with fast prep and easy cleanup.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, optional
- Lime wedges, optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a wide, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
- Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces for even texture.
- Stir in garlic, bell pepper, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and the spices coat the beef evenly.
- Add the rice, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well so the rice is evenly distributed and mostly submerged.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let rest covered for 2 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork, adjust seasoning, and finish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: ~540 per serving
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~48g
Fat: ~26g
Fiber: ~4g
Quick Facts
- One-pan taco-style dinner
- Summer-friendly and colorful
- Family-style meal ready in 30 minutes
Tips
- Rinse the rice before cooking to prevent stickiness and ensure fluffy grains.
- Keep the simmer gentle so the rice cooks evenly without burning the bottom.
- Resting the skillet before fluffing helps the rice finish steaming properly.
Variations
- Fresh Summer Twist
Add corn kernels or diced zucchini during the last 5 minutes of cooking for sweetness and seasonal freshness without changing the texture. You can also draw inspiration from our Sheet Pan Southwest Chicken and Corn for another colorful, summer-friendly meal with bold flavors. - Spicy Version
Increase chili powder slightly or add crushed red pepper flakes with the spices for more heat while keeping balance. - Lighter Skillet
Replace half of the beef with black beans to reduce heaviness while keeping the dish filling and flavorful. - Bowl Style
Serve the skillet over shredded lettuce with a spoon of plain yogurt and extra lime for a lighter, bowl-style presentation. For more taco-inspired ideas, check out our Taco Recipes Guide filled with flavorful options for every season.