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Easy Budget-Friendly Beef Taco Rice Skillet Recipe for Quick Family Dinners

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A quick and comforting beef taco rice skillet that uses simple pantry staples to create a flavorful, budget-friendly meal perfect for busy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup (190g) uncooked white or brown rice
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) beef broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, fresh lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out rice, taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and broth.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Push beef to the side of the skillet. Add onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir to coat. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, mixing well. Scrape browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  5. Stir in uncooked rice evenly. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
  6. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork.
  7. If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top while warm to melt. Garnish with cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime.

Notes

Do not lift the lid while rice cooks to ensure proper steaming. If rice is not tender after cooking time, cover and let steam off heat for a few more minutes. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. For vegetarian version, substitute beef with black beans or lentils and add smoked paprika. Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time (40-45 minutes).

Nutrition

Keywords: beef taco skillet, easy dinner, budget-friendly, family meal, quick recipe, taco rice skillet, ground beef recipe

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/easy-budget-friendly-beef-taco-rice-skillet-recipe-for-quick-family-dinners/