Walmart $5 Dinner: One-Pan Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Walmart $5 Dinner: Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet


Need a cheap dinner that still feels comforting? This cheesy taco rice skillet is the kind of one-pan meal that tastes like taco night, rice bowl night, and easy family dinner all in one pan.

It uses simple Walmart-style budget ingredients: ground beef, rice, taco seasoning, canned tomatoes, beans, corn, and shredded cheese. The result is warm, filling, cheesy, and easy to stretch for leftovers.

Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Serves:
4 to 5
Best For:
Cheap family dinner

Why You’ll Like This Taco Rice Skillet

  • One pan keeps cleanup simple.
  • Rice, beef, beans, and corn make it filling without expensive ingredients.
  • The cheese melts into the taco-seasoned rice for comfort-food flavor.
  • You can make it mild for kids or spicy for adults.
  • Leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon oil, if needed
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn, canned or frozen
  • 1 3/4 cups beef broth or water
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, avocado, cilantro, crushed tortilla chips

How To Make Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

Step 1: Brown the beef

Place a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking the beef into small crumbles as it browns.

Step 2: Add garlic and drain if needed

Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. If the beef has too much grease, carefully drain the extra fat before moving to the next step.


Step 3: Season the meat

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef. Stir well so the seasoning coats the meat evenly and smells warm and fragrant.

Step 4: Add rice, tomatoes, beans, corn and broth

Add the rinsed rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, black beans, corn, and broth. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the skillet so nothing sticks.


Step 5: Simmer gently

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

Step 6: Rest the rice

Turn off the heat and let the skillet sit covered for 5 minutes. This helps the rice finish steaming and keeps the texture softer.


Step 7: Add cheese

Fluff the rice gently with a spoon. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet.

Step 8: Melt and serve

Cover the skillet again for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese melts. Add your favorite toppings and serve hot.


Money-Saving Tips

  • Use half beef and half beans to stretch the meal further.
  • Frozen corn is usually cheaper than canned if you cook often.
  • Buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself for better melt and value.
  • Use leftover rice if you already have it, but reduce the broth and simmering time.
  • Serve with tortilla chips to make the skillet feel more filling.

Variations

  • Chicken taco rice: Use cooked shredded chicken instead of beef.
  • Spicy version: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy Rotel-style tomatoes.
  • Vegetarian version: Skip the beef and add extra beans, peppers, or zucchini.
  • Extra cheesy: Stir in half the cheese, then melt the rest on top.
  • Crunchy topping: Add crushed tortilla chips right before serving.

Substitutions

  • Ground beef: Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
  • White rice: Use cooked brown rice, but do not cook it from raw in the same timing.
  • Black beans: Pinto beans or kidney beans also work.
  • Cheddar: Use Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Mexican cheese blend.
  • Broth: Water works, but broth gives deeper flavor.

Storage

Let leftovers cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice will thicken as it chills, so add a splash of water when reheating.

Reheating

Microwave individual portions with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water, covered loosely, until hot. You can also reheat the skillet on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth.

Serving Ideas

  • Serve with tortilla chips for scooping.
  • Add sour cream and salsa on top.
  • Spoon into warm tortillas for taco rice burritos.
  • Serve over lettuce for a taco rice salad bowl.
  • Add avocado, lime, and cilantro for a fresher finish.

Mistakes To Avoid

  • Cooking on high heat: Rice can stick or burn before it softens.
  • Skipping the resting time: The rice needs a few minutes to finish steaming.
  • Adding cheese too early: Cheese can dry out if it cooks too long.
  • Using too little liquid: If the rice still feels firm, add a splash more broth and keep cooking gently.

Amazon Tools For This Recipe

These tools can make this taco rice skillet easier to cook, stir, serve, and store:

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, QuickCookUSA earns from qualifying purchases. I may earn a commission from links on this page at no extra cost to you.

Helpful dinner shortcut: If you enjoy easy dinners but want a break from planning every meal, Meez Meals may be useful for pre-prepped dinner nights.

Busy night dinner shortcut: If you want a break from planning every meal, Meez Meals may be a useful pre-prepped dinner option.

Affiliate disclosure: This section contains a sponsored affiliate link. QuickCookUSA may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Can I use cooked rice?
Yes. Add cooked rice after the beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes have simmered. Use less broth because cooked rice does not need the same liquid.

Can I make this without beans?
Yes. Leave out the beans and add more corn, diced peppers, or extra beef.

Can I freeze taco rice skillet?
Yes, but the texture is best fresh or refrigerated. Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months and reheat with a splash of water.

Is this spicy?
It depends on your taco seasoning and tomatoes. Use mild seasoning and plain diced tomatoes for a kid-friendly version.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free taco seasoning and check the labels on your broth, canned tomatoes, and toppings.

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