One Pan Mexican Beef Taco Rice

One Pan Mexican Beef Taco Rice

This is my high protein One Pan Mexican Taco Rice cheesy, comforting and packed with bold, smoky flavour. Everything cooks together in one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights or batch cooking for the week ahead.

Spiced lean beef, fluffy rice and melted lighter cheese all finished with lime and fresh coriander it’s a proper midweek winner.

Why you'll love this recipe

  • High-protein and under 500 calories
  • Cheesy, comforting Mexican-style flavours
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
  • Budget-friendly and family-friendly

This is one of those reliable midweek dinners that delivers every time. The rice absorbs all the taco-spiced beef flavour as it cooks, creating a rich, comforting base, while the melted cheese brings that satisfying finish.

Slow Cooker Beef Madras

One Pan Mexican Beef Taco Rice

PREP TIME

10 minutes

COOK TIME

25 mins

SERVINGS

4

METHOD

One Pan • High Protein • Midweek Dinner

ORIGIN

Mexican Inspired

Delicious Mexican Beef Taco Rice Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 red chillies, finely sliced

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 500g 5% lean beef mince

  • 2 bell peppers, sliced

  • 1 packet taco seasoning

  • 1 tsp olive oil

  • 150g dry basmati rice

  • 500ml beef stock

  • 60g lighter cheese

  • Salt & pepper

Instructions

  • Build the base
    Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and cook until softened. Stir in the peppers, chillies and half the taco seasoning and cook for 5 minutes.

  • Cook the beef
    Add the lean beef mince and the remaining taco seasoning. Season well and cook for 10 minutes until browned.

  • Add the rice
    Stir in the rice, coating it in the beef mixture.

  • Simmer
    Pour in the beef stock, ensuring the rice is fully covered. Reduce to low heat, cover with a lid and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

  • Finish with cheese
    Sprinkle over the lighter cheese, cover briefly to melt, and serve with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lime.

If you want to save time in the kitchen - this book is for you:


Get your hands on 50 high-protein, flavour-packed slow cooker recipes made for real life — when you don’t have time to scroll, stress, or stand in the kitchen.


Inside you’ll find comforting classics, macro-counted meals, and exclusive never-before-seen recipes you won’t find anywhere else.


Plus, you’ll unlock access to the Slow Cooker Club with extra tips, tricks, and members-only extras.

THE FULL MACROS READY FOR YOU

CALORIES | 485

UNDER 500 CALORIES PER SERVING 

PROTEIN | 36G

OVER 36G PROTEIN PER SERVING

CARBS | 55G

UNDER 60G CARBS PER SERVING  

FAT | 14G

UNDER 15G FAT PER SERVING 

FIBRE | 5G

OVER 5G FIBRE PER SERVING

High-protein, balanced and satisfying a perfect one-pan comfort meal.

Mexican Beef Taco Rice
Why choose this One Pan Mexican Beef Taco Rice Recipe?

HIGH PROTEIN RECIPE

EASY TO COOK IN ONE PAN

THE PERFECT COMFORT FOOD AFTER A LONG DAY

UNDER 500 CALORIES

Swaps & Upgrades

  • Add black beans for extra fibre

  • Swap beef for turkey mince

  • Make it spicier with extra chilli flakes

  • Add sweetcorn for texture

  • Use brown rice (increase cooking time + liquid)

  • Top with avocado or Greek yoghurt

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?

Yes, but increase cooking time and stock slightly.

Can I meal prep this?

Absolutely — it keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Can I freeze taco rice?

Yes freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Is this recipe spicy?

Medium heat adjust chillies to suit your preference.

If you like this recipe, you'll love these...

More Recipes at Archer Kitchen


Thanks for stopping by Archer Kitchen by Rebecca Archer. Whether you’re here for quick weekday fixes, indulgent weekend treats, or to explore new flavours, we’ve got your back. Hungry for more inspiration? Dive into my collection of recipes and check out my cookbooks for exclusive tips, tricks, and flavour-packed dishes that’ll take your cooking game to the next level. Bookmark us, come back often, and let’s keep cooking up a storm together!

WANT MORE TASTY RECIPES?

Join The Foodies Club. Sign up for for exclusive recipes, meal-prep inspo, planning tips, and tasty discount codes on my cookbooks - delivered fresh to your inbox.