Hamburger Meat Taco Rice Skillet

Name: Hamburger Meat Taco Rice Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup uncooked white rice; 1 packet taco seasoning; 2 cups beef broth; 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz); 1 cup corn (frozen or canned); 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado

Highlighted under: Simple Kitchen

I absolutely love making this Hamburger Meat Taco Rice Skillet on busy weeknights when I crave something hearty yet easy to prepare. The combination of seasoned ground beef and fluffy rice creates a satisfying dish that the entire family enjoys. Plus, it’s all made in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. This skillet meal is versatile too; you can customize it with your favorite vegetables and toppings for a unique twist every time!

Created by

Gemma Hollis

Last updated on 2026-02-27T13:29:35.436Z

When I first experimented with this Hamburger Meat Taco Rice Skillet, I was looking for a quick dinner solution that packed a lot of flavor. The rich taco seasonings combined with the savory beef and tender rice create a delightful dish that has become a family favorite. I remember the first time I made it; my kids couldn’t resist asking for seconds!

One tip that really helped elevate this recipe was letting the seasoned meat simmer with the rice. It allows all those delicious flavors to meld together, ensuring that every bite is brimming with taste. I've also swapped in brown rice for some extra fiber, and it works just as beautifully!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
One-pan meal means easy cleanup
Packed with flavor from taco seasonings
Customizable with your favorite toppings
Hearty and satisfying for the whole family

Perfecting the Beef

The foundation of this Hamburger Meat Taco Rice Skillet is the ground beef, which should be chosen carefully for the best flavor and texture. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a balance of fat and lean meat, ensuring the dish remains juicy without being overly greasy. Cook it over medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it's browned evenly, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Keep an eye out for any excess fat and drain any that pools in the skillet to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.

While cooking the beef, it's essential to maintain the right heat level. If the skillet is too hot, the meat may cook unevenly and become tough. A perfect visual indicator is to look for a nice, deep-brown color on the beef, which indicates flavor development through the Maillard reaction. This takes time, so resist the urge to rush; patience pays off with a more complex taste.

The Rice and Broth Relationship

In this recipe, the rice absorbs the flavors from the beef, taco seasoning, and broth, making each bite delicious. Choosing a long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine can enhance the dish's texture, providing lightness that complements the hearty beef. Ensure to rinse the rice under cold water before adding it to the skillet; this removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. A good rinse typically takes about 1-2 minutes until the water runs clear.

When it comes to the beef broth, opting for low-sodium varieties allows you to control the saltiness of the dish, especially since the taco seasoning contains salt. If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be substituted without sacrificing flavor. You'll want to monitor the cooking time as well; the rice should simmer for about 20 minutes with the lid on for the best texture. A gentle simmer will lead to fluffy rice that's perfectly cooked, absorbing all those taco-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before starting:

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 packet taco seasoning
2 cups beef broth
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado

Make sure to have everything ready to go before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious skillet meal:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Add Seasonings

Stir in the taco seasoning, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and corn. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Cook the Rice

Once boiling, add the uncooked rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Hamburger Meat Taco Rice Skillet!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy taco seasoning. You can also use leftover taco meat to save time!

Storage and Reheating

This Hamburger Meat Taco Rice Skillet is not only delicious but also makes excellent leftovers. To store, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a well-sealed freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just remember to label it with the date, so you can keep track of freshness.

When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, the easiest option is to reheat the skillet in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth if it seems too dry, allowing it to steam and rehydrate. Heat until it's warmed throughout, which should take about 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until heated through. Just be mindful not to overheat, as it can dry out.

Variations and Customizations

This skillet meal is incredibly versatile, so feel free to switch up ingredients based on what’s in your pantry. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or black beans in place of the ground beef. Cook the lentils beforehand and simply combine them in the skillet with the broth and seasonings for rich flavor. Another fun twist is to add a cup of diced bell peppers or onions along with the corn; sauté them for a few minutes after browning the beef for added texture and sweetness.

If spicy is what you crave, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking. Top your dish with fresh ingredients like pico de gallo or jalapeño slices after serving for an extra kick. Additionally, using different cheese blends can completely change the finishing flavor; try pepper jack for a creamy heat or a smokey cheese blend for a unique twist.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice usually takes about 40-45 minutes to cook.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.