Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Rice is a comforting one-pan meal that combines savory ground beef, seasoned rice, and melted cheese for a flavorful dish everyone will love. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2¼ cups beef broth
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1½ cups long-grain white rice (dry, uncooked)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (any variety)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the beef broth, Rotel, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Step 4: Once boiling, add the uncooked rice. Return to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low or low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
6. Step 6: Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, or chopped fresh cilantro.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Use a Mexican blend cheese for extra flavor.
• Add black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
• For spicier heat, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly and check the rice for doneness before adding cheese.

What if I don’t have Rotel?

You can substitute with diced tomatoes and green chilies or simply use canned diced tomatoes with a pinch of chili powder for similar flavor.

Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 336 reviews

Cheesy Taco Rice is a hearty one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef, aromatic onions, and garlic simmered with rice in a flavorful tomato and Rotel broth, all topped with melted cheese for a comforting Tex-Mex dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2¼ cups beef broth
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1½ cups long-grain white rice (dry, uncooked)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (any variety)

Instructions

1. Brown Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add ground beef and finely diced onion to the skillet. Cook and crumble the beef until no longer pink and onions are translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain excess grease from the pan.
2. Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning packet to the cooked beef mixture. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to release the flavors.
3. Add Liquids and Rice: Pour in beef broth, Rotel, and tomato paste into the skillet. Stir until well combined and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the uncooked rice and bring back to a boil.
4. Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low or low. Allow the rice and beef mixture to simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and liquid is absorbed.
5. Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the cooked mixture. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, or chopped fresh cilantro to enhance the flavors.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, consider adding extra diced jalapeños or use a spicy taco seasoning.
• Use any cheese you prefer; cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work well.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a gluten-free version, verify that the taco seasoning and Rotel are gluten-free.
• To make this dish vegetarian, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based beef alternatives.

Keywords: cheesy taco rice, taco rice, one-pan taco dinner, ground beef rice skillet, Tex-Mex rice recipes