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A cast-iron skillet filled with a cheesy one pot ground beef taco recipe, topped with fresh cilantro and ready to serve.

Ultimate One Pot Cheesy Taco Skillet

A fast, flavorful, and family-friendly weeknight dinner solution that combines seasoned ground beef, rice, and beans in a single skillet. This entire delicious meal is ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 23 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican-Inspired, Tex-Mex
Servings 4
Calories 475 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven A 12-inch pan is recommended to avoid overcrowding.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef 90/10 recommended; ground turkey is a great substitute
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion finely diced
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper any color, chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning or 2 tbsp of a homemade blend
  • 1 15 oz can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 15 oz can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup Beef Broth low sodium
  • 1 cup Uncooked White Rice long-grain
  • 1.5 cups Shredded Cheese cheddar or a Mexican blend

Instructions
 

  • Brown Beef & Veggies: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  • Toast & Combine: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture and stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices. Pour in the beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, rinsed black beans, and uncooked rice. Stir everything together until well combined.
  • Simmer: Bring the mixture to a low boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes. Do not lift the lid. The rice should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
  • Melt Cheese: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover again for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Healthier Swaps: For a lighter meal, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey, use brown rice (add 1/2 cup extra broth and increase simmer time to 35-40 mins), or add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
  • Serving Ideas: This dish is perfect on its own or served with tortilla chips for scooping. Top with sour cream, fresh avocado, salsa, or sliced jalapeños.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This recipe also freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months.