If you’re craving a comforting dish that marries the zest of tacos with the heartiness of a rice bowl, this Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, vibrant tomatoes, and loads of melty cheese, all simmered together to create a dish that’s both easy and wildly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or simply want a fuss-free dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this recipe brings together textures and tastes that hit every craving spot perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you dive into cooking, gather these simple yet essential ingredients that each play a unique role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this dish.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef beautifully and adds a subtle richness.
- Ground beef: The hearty base of the recipe, providing savory depth.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic flavor as it cooks down.
- Garlic cloves: Bring a punch of sharp savoriness that brightens the mix.
- Taco seasoning packet: The secret spice blend that ties all the taco flavors together.
- Beef broth: Infuses the rice with savory richness as it cooks.
- Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies): Adds a nice tangy zest and mild heat with fresh tomato bites.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates flavor and enhances the sauce’s thickness and color.
- Long-grain white rice: The fluffy base that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Shredded cheese: Melts to create a gooey, luscious topping that unites the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, and cook together until the beef is no longer pink and the onions become translucent—this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Be sure to crumble the beef for even cooking. Once browned, drain any excess grease so your dish stays perfectly balanced without being too oily.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Next, stir in the minced garlic along with the taco seasoning packet. This step is where the magic begins, as those spices wake up and coat the beef in bold flavors. Cook everything together for about 30 seconds to let the seasoning toast lightly and meld with the savory meat.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Rice
Pour in the beef broth, the can of Rotel, and the tomato paste. Stir until the tomato paste is fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth. Bring the entire skillet to a rolling boil before stirring in the uncooked rice. This quick boil jumpstarts the cooking process for the rice and helps infuse it with all those tantalizing flavors.
Step 4: Simmer
Once your skillet is boiling with all components combined, cover it with a lid and reduce the heat to low or medium-low. Let it gently simmer for 15 minutes. This simmering transforms the uncooked rice into tender, fluffy grains that soak up every bit of the seasoned broth, creating a unified dish packed with flavor in each bite.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of your taco rice mixture. Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbling, smooth blanket of gooey goodness. This finishing touch elevates the dish from hearty and comforting to downright crave-worthy.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To truly celebrate this Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe, consider topping your dish with fresh sour cream, creamy guacamole, vibrant pico de gallo, or a sprinkle of bright chopped cilantro. These garnishes add cool, fresh contrasts that complement the warm, savory base beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs effortlessly with crisp tortilla chips, a simple green salad with a tangy dressing, or even roasted vegetables for some added crunch and color. These sides round out the meal and provide a nice variety of textures alongside the cheesy, meaty rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this recipe in individual ramekins or hollowed-out bell peppers for a festive presentation. Alternatively, layering it in a casserole dish and baking lightly can bring a new depth of texture to the cheese and rice combination. The Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe is versatile, so get playful with how you present it to suit your occasion and guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe will keep nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, this recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a quick dinner, just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the rice and keep everything moist and cheesy. Avoid overheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative and works well with the taco seasoning to keep that bold, savory flavor in this recipe.
What kind of cheese is best for melting?
Cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend melt beautifully and complement the flavors of the Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe perfectly.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes, but you can easily adjust by adding more chili powder or jalapeños if you like extra heat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure your taco seasoning packet is gluten-free, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans can be stirred in with the broth and rice to add more texture, color, and nutrition to the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe is the kind of comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, bringing together familiar flavors in a fresh, easy-to-make way. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, and I truly hope you give it a try—you might just find yourself making it over and over again!
Print
Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, long-grain white rice, and melted cheese. Infused with taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and beef broth, this dish offers a perfect blend of Tex-Mex flavors in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2¼ cups beef broth
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Grains and Cheese
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice (dry, uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (any variety)
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and finely diced onion. Cook and crumble the ground beef until it is no longer pink and the onions become translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet for a leaner dish.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and the taco seasoning packet into the cooked beef mixture. Cook this combination for about 30 seconds to release the spices’ aroma.
- Add Liquids and Rice: Pour in the beef broth, the canned Rotel, and tomato paste. Stir well until all ingredients are combined. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, stir in the uncooked white rice and bring back to a boil again.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low or low. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and absorb the flavorful liquids.
- Add Cheese: After the rice is tender and liquid mostly absorbed, evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has completely melted and is gooey and delicious.
- Serve: Dish out the cheesy taco rice and serve with your choice of taco toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, or chopped fresh cilantro for an authentic Tex-Mex finishing touch.
Notes
- You can use any cheese variety that melts well such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- For a spicier version, add jalapeños or use spicy Rotel.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by verifying the taco seasoning and Rotel do not contain gluten.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef and reduce cheese or use a low-fat cheese option.
