
This 15 minute taco skillet recipe checks all the boxes for quick and easy, one pan, weeknight recipes your family will love! Serve it topped with your favorite taco toppings. Cleanup is even a breeze!
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Food & Family
In one of my cleaning benders awhile ago I came across a hoard of old cooking magazines. I wanted the shelf space, so I spent many enjoyable hours going through and ripping out the pages of recipes I wanted to make.
This 15 minute taco skillet recipe came from a Kraft Food & Family magazine circa 2009. They called it a tex-mex taco dinner and made it with Cheez Whiz. I knew I’d want something with a little extra kick so I swapped it for some salsa con queso.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish in just 15 minutes.
- Minimal Cleanup: One pan means less time doing dishes.
- Customizable: Top it with your favorite taco fixings to make it your own.

How to Make the 15 Minute Taco Skillet:
You only need 6 ingredients for this easy 15 minute taco skillet! Start by browning your ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain the grease.
I think it’s easiest to use a turkey baster to suck up the extra juice and put it in a old can or jar to dispose.
Add in water, chicken broth and chili powder and stir to combine. You can add extra chili powder or even crushed red pepper flakes if you want to add some extra heat!
Bring this to a gentle boil then whisk in the salsa con queso. I used the Tostitos medium heat, but you can swap for something milder if you prefer. Stir until cheese is melted and combined, then stir in the rice.
Reduce the heat to low and cover for 5 minutes. No peeking! The rice needs the steam to fully cook. When your five minutes are up, give everything a good stir and ring your dinner bell!
How to Serve the 15 Minute Taco Skillet:
What’s not to love about a recipe you can make your own? With a variety of toppings everyone can make their taco and rice skillet exactly as they like it! You could even set up a little taco bar for your family to go through. They’ll love it!
Dinner in a flash, without the drive-thru guilt,
– Abby, the Humble Housewife
Tips and Variations
- Spice Level: For extra heat, add more chili powder or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cheese Choice: If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a mild salsa con queso.
- Serving Suggestions: Create a taco bar with various toppings so everyone can customize their meal.
Topping Ideas: lettuce, tomato, avocado, onion, black olives, jalapeños, cheese, taco sauce, salsa, sour cream
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15 Minute Taco Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup salsa con queso
- 2 cups instant rice
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- Toppings for serving
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet. Drain.
- Stir in chili powder, chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil.
- Add queso, whisk until combined.
- Stir in rice. Reduce heat to low and cover 5 minutes.
- Top with your favorite toppings: lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, avocados, salsa, etc.
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