Name: Easy One Skillet Taco Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 lb Ground Meat (Turkey, Beef, Pork, Chicken all work!); ¾ cup Salsa (your favorite kind will do!); 1 can Pinto or Black Beans (rinsed and drained); 2 packets Taco Seasoning; 2 cups White Rice; 4 cups Water

If you’re looking for an easy one skillet taco and rice recipe that the whole family actually eats, this is it. This one pot taco rice dinner is budget-friendly, made with simple pantry staples, and comes together fast—perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, and tired moms who just want dinner done.

sour cream being spooned onto taco skillet

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It’s hearty, flavorful, and totally customizable with whatever toppings your family loves. Plus, fewer dishes = always a win.

Why you’ll love this Easy One Skillet Taco Rice

One Skillet – I am notoriously known to hate too many dishes. This one definitely helps with that!

Simple, Affordable Ingredients – You may have everything in your freezer and pantry already!

Super Fast – Ready in about 30 minutes!

Kids Approved – Your whole family will love this meal!

Customizable – Use your favorite toppings to customize this meal!

Perfect for leftovers!

taco skillet with toppings on a white skillet with corn chips on the counter and a green hand towel

Supplies needed to make Easy One Skillet Taco Rice

A skillet or pot – I use an electric skillet!
Measuring cups

Ingredients

Ground Turkey (or any ground meat!) – Makes this dish filling and satisfying, and can be switched for ground beef or even ground chicken!

Salsa – Use your favorite salsa! Adds flavor and a little kick without needing a bunch of other ingredients.

Canned Beans – Use black beans or pinto beans; Brings extra protein and fiber while adding texture and helps stretch the mean when you are cooking on a budget.

Taco Seasoning – Packs all of the taco kick in one simple step.

Rice – I prefer white rice for this recipe. Cook the rice in the same skillet as your meat, making this meal a true one pot dinner.

The full recipe, along with the ingredients, can be found below.

How to make Easy One Skillet Taco Rice

cooked ground taco meat on a counter in an electric skiller

cooked ground taco meat along with uncooked rice, salsa, and pean in an electric skillet

First, brown your ground meat in your skillet over medium heat and cook until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Next, stir in your taco seasoning and salsa until the meat is evenly coated and fragrant.

Then, add the rice, beans, and water to the skillet. Stir until it is well combined and everything is even in the skillet.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce your heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 18-22 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Finally, remove from the heat and fluff with a fork. Top your rice with the cheese and let is sit for a few minutes before serving.

Add your favorite taco toppings and enjoy!

sour cream being dolloped on taco skillet

man sprinling cheese over ground meat and rice

Tips

Use long-grain white rice for the best taste and texture.
Want it creamier? Add a few tablespoons of cream cheese when you add your rice to the skillet.
For extra veggies, add a little corn, zucchini, or chopped peppers and onions.

Toppings

Diced avocado or guacamole
Shredded cheese
Chopped green onions
Fresh cilantro
Pico de gallo
Diced tomatoes
Hot sauce or taco sauce
Lime wedges
Crushed tortilla chips
Black olived
Corn chips
Fresh or pickled jalapenos
Salsa

taco skillet topped with corn chips, pico, and sliced jalapenos

FAQs

The key ingredients are ground meat, salsa, canned beans, taco seasoning, and rice along with your favorite toppings.

Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Yes! You can use ground beef, ground pork, or even ground chicken! Plant based meat works well in this, too.

You can, but you’ll need an extra 1 cup of rice and a longer simmer time – likely around 35-45 minutes. For transparency, I’ve never used brown rice in this recipe but it is worth a try!

It is mild as written – but use mild taco seasoning and mild salsa to keep the spice minimal.

Yes! Let it cool completely and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.

Recipe

Easy One Skillet Taco Rice

This one skillet taco and rice recipe is one of those dependable, no-fail dinners you’ll come back to again and again. It’s cozy, filling, budget-friendly, and easy enough for even the busiest nights—and the toppings make it fun for everyone at the table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 or more

Ingredients

2 lb Ground Meat Turkey, Beef, Pork, Chicken all work!
¾ cup Salsa your favorite kind will do!
1 can Pinto or Black Beans rinsed and drained
2 packets Taco Seasoning
2 cups White Rice
4 cups Water

Instructions

First, brown your ground meat in your skillet over medium heat and cook until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Next, stir in your taco seasoning and salsa until the meat is evenly coated and fragrant.
Then, add the rice, beans, and water to the skillet. Stir until it is well combined and everything is even in the skillet.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce your heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 18-22 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finally, remove from the heat and fluff with a fork. Top your rice with the cheese and let is sit for a few minutes before serving.
Add your favorite taco toppings and enjoy!