Are you tired of dinner prep chaos? I’ve got you covered with my One Pot Taco Skillet. This easy and flavorful dish combines ground turkey, beans, and rice—all cooked in one pan! With simple ingredients and quick steps, you can whip up a tasty meal in no time. Get ready to impress your family with this colorful, delicious dinner that’s sure to make your weeknights stress-free!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb ground turkey or chicken
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
– 1 cup uncooked rice
Broth and Seasoning
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
Cheese and Garnish
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
– Optional toppings such as sour cream and avocado
When I make this dish, I always start with the main ingredients. I like to use ground turkey or chicken because they cook quickly and taste great. You can also add more flavor with fresh onions and garlic. Diced bell peppers add a nice crunch and color.
Next, I add black beans and corn. They give good texture and a hint of sweetness. Using rice is essential for a hearty meal. It absorbs all the flavors from the broth and seasoning.
Speaking of broth, I prefer chicken broth for a richer taste, but vegetable broth works well too. The taco seasoning adds that zesty kick. Finally, I toss in diced tomatoes with green chilies. They give a nice tang and a bit of heat.
For the topping, I always use shredded cheese. It melts beautifully and makes the dish creamy. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness. If you want to make it special, serve with sour cream or avocado. This dish is fun to make and even more fun to eat! Check out the Full Recipe for all the steps.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Skillet
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them until they soften, which takes about 5 minutes. This step brings out the flavors in the veggies. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook it for about one minute, stirring often to avoid burning.
Cooking the Protein
Now it’s time to add the protein. Push the veggies to one side of the skillet. Add 1 pound of ground turkey or chicken. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Once the meat is browned, sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until it smells great.
Combining Ingredients
Add the fun ingredients next! Pour in one can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, one can of black beans (rinsed and drained), one can of corn (drained), and one cup of uncooked rice. Mix everything well to combine. Now, pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes. The rice should be cooked and soak up the liquid.
Finishing Touches
Once your skillet is cooked, remove it from heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheese. This will make it creamy and cheesy. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover the skillet again for about 2 to 3 minutes. The cheese will melt nicely. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork, season with salt and pepper to taste, and add fresh cilantro for a pop of color. For more details, check the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Skillet
Using a non-stick skillet makes cooking and cleanup simple. It keeps your food from sticking and helps you get a perfect sear on your meat. You can also control spice levels. If you like heat, add jalapeños or spicy taco seasoning. For a milder taste, stick with regular seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serving your One Pot Taco Skillet straight from the skillet gives it a warm, rustic feel. It looks great on the table. To make it even better, offer toppings on the side. Think sour cream, avocado, or extra cheese. This way, everyone can make their dish just how they like it.
Adjusting Cooking Times
Cooking times may change based on the type of rice. White rice cooks faster than brown rice. If you use brown rice, add extra liquid and extend the cooking time by about 10 minutes. Always check for doneness. If the rice seems dry, add more broth. This keeps everything nice and moist.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can easily change the meat in this dish. Use ground beef or a plant-based protein like lentils. Both options work well and taste great. If you want a healthier meal, swap rice for quinoa. Quinoa cooks fast and adds extra protein.
Flavor Enhancements
Want more nutrition? Add diced veggies like zucchini or corn. They make the dish colorful and tasty. You can also try different types of cheese. Pepper jack or feta can give new flavors to your skillet.
Monthly Themes
Make your taco skillet spicy by adding jalapeños or chili peppers. This adds heat and excitement. For a southwestern twist, include corn salsa and black olives. These ingredients add depth and fun to the dish.
For the full recipe, check the main recipe section.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your One Pot Taco Skillet, let the dish cool. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This will keep your meal fresh. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This way, you can savor the flavors later in the week.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some for later, divide the skillet into portions. Use freezer-safe containers for easy meals down the road. You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. This method helps maintain the best quality.
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth to keep the dish moist. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual portions. This gives you a quick meal with the same great taste. For more details, check out the Full Recipe.
FAQs
How can I make One Pot Taco Skillet spicier?
To add heat, use hot taco seasoning. You can also add fresh jalapeños. Slice them thinly and mix them in during cooking. This will give your dish a nice kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat level preference.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice. However, this will change the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you need to increase the liquid too. Check the package for specific cooking times and adjust the broth amount as needed.
What can I serve with One Pot Taco Skillet?
You have many tasty options! Serve with crunchy tortilla chips for dipping. A side salad adds freshness and balance. Mexican-style corn complements the dish well too. You can also offer toppings like sour cream, avocado, or extra cheese for fun.
For the Full Recipe, check out the main section above.
This blog post covered how to make a delicious One Pot Taco Skillet. You learned about the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to make it perfect. Remember, you can customize this dish with different proteins or spices. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly for quick meals later. Enjoy creating your own tasty variations, and have fun serving it with your favorite toppings. This dish is simple, yet full of flavor and options for everyone! Happy cooking!
