Cheesy Taco Rice

Cheesy Taco Rice is the perfect blend of flavors—tender rice, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese, all coming together to create a savory, satisfying meal. This one-pan dish is packed with the bold flavors of taco seasoning, garlic, and the tangy zest of Rotel tomatoes. It’s incredibly easy to make and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or a fun addition to Taco Tuesday. You can customize it with your favorite taco toppings, making it versatile and endlessly delicious.

This dish combines all the comfort of a cheesy casserole with the excitement of a taco-inspired meal. Whether you choose to serve it as a side or the main event, it’s guaranteed to please a crowd. And because it’s made in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze. If you love taco flavors but want something a little different from the usual taco shell or tortilla, this Cheesy Taco Rice is sure to hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

With a total cook time of under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast and satisfying.

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2. One-Pan Wonder

All the ingredients cook together in one skillet, making both prep and cleanup super easy.

3. Customizable

You can make it as mild or spicy as you like, and it’s easy to add extra toppings or ingredients to suit your taste.

4. Cheesy Comfort

Who doesn’t love the combination of melted cheese and taco seasoning? This dish has all the flavors of your favorite taco, but with cheesy rice to make it extra comforting.

5. Great for Leftovers

This recipe stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers the next day.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Ground beef
• Yellow onion, finely diced
• Garlic, minced
• Taco seasoning packet
• Beef broth
• Rotel tomatoes (10 oz can)
• Tomato paste
• Long grain white rice (uncooked)
• Shredded cheese (any variety)

Variations

1. Spicy Taco Rice – Use spicy Rotel, Pepper Jack cheese, and garnish with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
2. Vegetarian Version – Swap the ground beef with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly option.
3. Cheesy Veggie Taco Rice – Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the mix for extra veggies and flavor.
4. Mexican-Style Taco Rice – Use Mexican crema and a sprinkle of cilantro for a more traditional Mexican-inspired dish.
5. Low-Carb Version – Replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown Beef and Onions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, ground beef, and diced onion. Cook the beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and the onions are translucent (about 8-10 minutes). Drain any excess grease from the pan.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to bloom.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Rice

Stir in the beef broth, Rotel tomatoes, and tomato paste until everything is well combined. Bring to a boil, then stir in the rice. Bring the mixture back to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer

Once boiling, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the rice. Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the Cheesy Taco Rice with your favorite taco toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Garlic – Freshly minced garlic will give the best flavor, but you can also substitute garlic powder (1 teaspoon) if necessary.
• Adjust Spice Level – For a milder version, use mild Rotel, mild taco seasoning, and a mild cheese like Colby Jack. For more heat, try using spicy Rotel and spicy cheese varieties.
• Beef Broth Substitute – You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a different flavor base.
• Rice Texture – Make sure the rice is fully cooked before adding the cheese to avoid overcooking the rice.
• Cover While Simmering – Always cover the skillet while simmering to ensure the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.

How to Serve

Cheesy Taco Rice is delicious on its own or as a base for taco toppings. You can top it with sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for extra freshness. It also pairs well with a side salad or crispy tortilla chips for an added crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cheesy Taco Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to bring it back to its creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze Cheesy Taco Rice for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Cheesy Taco Rice in the microwave, or for best results, warm it on the stovetop, adding a small amount of beef broth to keep the rice moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner substitute for ground beef.

2. Can I use instant rice for this recipe?

It’s best to use long-grain white rice for this recipe, but you can use instant rice if you need a quicker option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when ready to serve.

4. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, use spicy Rotel, add jalapeños, or sprinkle in some chili powder or cayenne pepper for extra heat.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses work great in this recipe.

6. Can I substitute the beef broth?

Yes, chicken broth or vegetable broth are suitable substitutes.

7. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, feel free to add bell peppers, corn, or even diced zucchini to boost the veggie content.

8. Can I use a different type of rice?

You can use brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version, though you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio.

9. How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute, like crumbled tofu or lentils, and use vegetable broth.

10. How long does this dish last in the fridge?

Leftovers will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Rice is the ultimate comfort food with all the bold flavors of tacos and the creamy richness of melted cheese. This one-pan dish is simple to make, quick to cook, and easily adaptable to suit your tastes. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is sure to satisfy. Plus, with its cheesy, savory goodness, it’s perfect for serving with your favorite taco toppings. Give it a try and enjoy a fun twist on your favorite taco flavors!

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