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Quick Flavorful Ground Beef Taco Skillet with Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

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A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef taco skillet served with bright and fragrant cilantro lime rice, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper)
  • ½ cup (120ml) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup (165g) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 large lime, juiced
  • 1 cup (185g) long-grain white rice or jasmine rice
  • 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  2. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
  3. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Stir in the juice of one lime and ¼ cup chopped cilantro.
  4. While rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  5. Add garlic and jalapeño, cooking another minute until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic.
  6. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart and cook until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  7. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture. Stir well to coat evenly.
  8. Pour in tomato sauce and add black beans if using. Let simmer on low for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Fluff the cilantro lime rice with a fork. Serve the beef taco skillet hot over the rice or mix gently in the skillet for a one-pan meal.
  10. Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, or favorite toppings like shredded cheese or avocado slices.

Notes

Toast the rice before cooking to enhance flavor and prevent clumping. Drain excess fat from beef if desired to reduce greasiness. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor but bottled lime juice can be substituted. Cooking rice separately yields better texture but can be cooked in the same skillet if beef mixture is temporarily removed.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, taco skillet, cilantro lime rice, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, one-pan meal, Mexican-inspired

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/quick-flavorful-ground-beef-taco-skillet-with-easy-cilantro-lime-rice-recipe/