Cheesy Taco Rice Dish (Print Version)

A hearty dinner made in one skillet with spiced beef, rice, beans, corn, and cheesy goodness. Great for quick weeknight meals.

# Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 8.5 oz packet of cooked spicy Mexican rice (like Uncle Ben's)
02 - 3 tablespoons taco seasoning powder
03 - 1 pound lean ground beef
04 - Half an onion, chopped into small pieces

→ Sauce & Vegetables

05 - 10 oz can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, liquid included
06 - A 15 oz can of black beans, rinsed and drained
07 - 15 oz can of sweet corn with its liquid
08 - Half a cup of smooth salsa, no chunks

→ Toppings

09 - Fresh cilantro for sprinkling on top
10 - Grated Colby Jack cheese, about 4 oz from a block
11 - Sour cream for adding a cool touch
12 - Sliced avocado for a creamy topping
13 - Crushed tortilla chips for some crunch

# Steps:

01 - Spray a large, oven-safe pan lightly with avocado or olive oil and heat it on medium heat
02 - Toss the ground beef and chopped onion into the hot pan. Stir now and then, cooking for 8-10 mins until the beef browns and onions soften
03 - Mix in the taco seasoning and salsa, stirring well so everything’s evenly blended
04 - Throw in the rinsed black beans, canned corn with its juice, and the diced tomatoes with green chiles. Let it cook for 5-6 mins for the liquid to reduce a bit
05 - Add the cooked Mexican rice to the mixture and stir until it’s all combined
06 - Sprinkle grated Colby Jack cheese over the top. Put it in the oven under the broiler for about a minute until the cheese melts and bubbles. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn
07 - Add your favorite toppings like cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips before serving

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Shred cheese directly from a block for better texture and flavor
02 - If your pan can’t go in the oven, transfer the mix to a baking dish first
03 - Switch it up by tossing in extras like diced bell peppers or jalapeños
04 - You can use brown rice, white rice, or even cauliflower rice instead