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

Walmart $5 Dinner: Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet


Need a cheap dinner that actually tastes good? This Walmart $5 Dinner is a simple one-pan cheesy taco rice skillet made with budget-friendly ingredients like ground beef, rice, taco seasoning, tomatoes, and shredded cheese.

It is quick, family-friendly, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want dinner without spending much.

Prep:
10 mins
Cook:
25 mins
Serves:
4
Budget:
Around $5

Why This Recipe Works

  • Budget-friendly pantry staples
  • One pan means less cleanup
  • High flavor with simple ingredients
  • Easy to scale for families
  • Works for meal prep
  • Perfect for cheap weeknight dinners

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups water or broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp oil, if needed
  • Optional: black beans, corn, jalapeños, cilantro, sour cream

How To Cook

Step 1

Heat a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion.

Step 2

Cook until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Break the meat into small crumbles while cooking. Drain excess grease if needed.


Step 3

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well so the beef is fully coated.

Step 4

Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, and water or broth. Stir everything together.


Step 5

Bring to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 6

Cover the skillet and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed.


Step 7

Stir once more, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 8

Cover for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts.


Step 9

Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, cilantro, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips.


Money-Saving Tips

  • Use extra broth if the rice needs more time.
  • Use pre-shredded cheese for speed.
  • Add black beans to stretch the meal.
  • Use Rotel-style tomatoes for extra flavor.
  • Meal prep into containers for lunch.

What To Serve With It

  • Tortilla chips
  • Side salad
  • Avocado slices
  • Salsa
  • Sour cream

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to bring the rice back to life.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, ground turkey works well.

Can I make it spicier?
Yes, add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy diced tomatoes.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, but the texture is best fresh or refrigerated short-term.

Can I use instant rice?
Yes, but reduce the liquid and cooking time.

Best Amazon Tools For This Recipe

These tools make this cheesy taco rice skillet easier to cook, serve, and meal prep:

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

More Cheap Dinner Ideas

Try my Cheap Dinner Recipes, Chicken Wrap, and Meal Prep Recipes.

Save This Walmart $5 Dinner

This cheesy taco rice skillet is cheap, easy, filling, and perfect for busy family nights.

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