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Cheesy Taco Beef & Rice

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A cozy, weeknight-friendly skillet meal with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, combining ground beef, bell pepper, rice, and a creamy cheese blend.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 440

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef Versatile protein that browns quickly and adds hearty flavor.
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced Adds sweetness and aromatic depth as it softens.
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained Brings juicy tomato flavor and a touch of heat.
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce Gives body and saucy texture to bind the dish.
  • 1 packet taco seasoning Concentrates the savory and chili-spiced profile.
  • 2 cups cooked long-grain rice Adds bulk and soaks up flavors; use freshly cooked or leftover rice.
  • 1/2 cup beef broth Helps loosen the mixture and deepen the beef flavor.
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar + Monterey Jack blend or Mexican blend) Melts to create a creamy, cheesy finish.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste For final seasoning balance.
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish) Adds a fresh herbal note and color when serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it up and brown until no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then return the beef to the skillet.
  2. Add diced yellow onion and diced green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning. Mix well so the seasoning coats the beef and vegetables.
  4. Add the cooked long-grain rice and beef broth, stirring until everything is evenly combined. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash more broth.
  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet partially with a lid, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Sprinkle cheese over the mixture and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the dish is creamy. Keep the heat low to avoid overcooking the cheese.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring once more to distribute the seasoning.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 440kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 28gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 780mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g

Notes

Use pre-cooked rice to save time. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This dish freezes well; cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

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