Description
A quick one-pan taco-inspired meal with ground beef, rice, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and melty cheese, finished with fresh lettuce. Perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 cups water
1 cup converted (instant) rice
1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 cup shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add beef and onion, cooking about 5 minutes until browned and softened. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, water, rice, and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer about 25 minutes until rice is tender.
- Remove lid and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Let melt slightly.
- Top with shredded lettuce and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
- Add veggies like bell peppers, corn, or black beans.
- Spice it up with jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Swap cheese types—cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
- Top with avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or lime juice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
