This Super Easy One-Pot Dinner is the Best Thing You Can Do With a Pound of Ground Beef

Some nights (okay, most nights), I need a dinner that’s quick, satisfying and guaranteed to get a “this is so good” from my family. I love a Crock Pot meal or a one-pot meal that makes cleaning up easy, and I've perfected the art of using a base recipe to create different recipes.

That's how this one-pan taco rice—a simple, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor and easy to throw together with pantry staples—got my attention. I make a similar meal about once a month, so having something familiar with a new flavor is definitely appealing. This one is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I don’t have the time (or energy) to make something complicated, but I still want a meal that hits the spot.

This recipe was shared by food creator and cookbook author Matthew Bounds (@yourbarefootneighbor) as part of his series on feeding a family on a budget, and it costs less than $15—just in case you needed yet another reason to give it a try.

Related: I Tried Martha Stewart's One-Pot Pasta That Has 'Taken the Internet By Storm'

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A Simple, Flavorful Meal for the Whole Family

This dish is everything I love in a weeknight dinner. There's minimal prep, big flavors, very little cleanup and it's cheap. It starts with ground beef, which is cooked down without draining because that extra richness adds so much depth to the overall meal. Then, in go diced onions and bell peppers for a quick sauté (about three minutes), followed by salt, pepper and a generous sprinkle of garlic powder.

Once everything is seasoned, you just stir in a can of diced tomatoes with their juices, along with a can of corn and black beans (both drained and rinsed). Then, some taco seasoning gets sprinkled in, bringing everything together with that bold, slightly smoky flavor. Once everything is warmed, add a cup of rice and stir well before pouring in a cup or two of water or stock.

Finally, cover the pan and let the food simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is tender and has soaked up all that delicious flavor.

Related: Meghan Markle’s 'Literally Cozy' One Pot Pasta Is Trending–Here’s Why

Why This Recipe is a Winner

The beauty of this meal is that it's simple and versatile. It's packed with protein, veggies and just the right amount of spice, creating a dish that’s rich, hearty and satisfying. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means fewer dishes to wash, which is always a win in my book!

You can serve this as-is, but it’s also great loaded with toppings like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro and/or a dollop of sour cream. And if there happen to be leftovers (which doesn't happen often in my house), they reheat beautifully for an easy lunch the next day. Just pair them with some tortilla chips for a little crunch.

This taco rice will be one of my go-to meals because it’s reliable and flavorful. Whether it’s a busy school night, a weekend meal prep session or just a night when I want something warm and comforting, this dish is going to be a great addition to my meal rotation.

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