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Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe

Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe

Cheesy Taco Rice is a quick, hearty, and flavor-packed one-pan dish that brings together everything you love about tacos — spicy beef, zesty seasoning, melty cheese — all over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.
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Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 450g ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 packet 1 oz taco seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
  • ½ cup frozen corn optional
  • ½ cup black beans drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Sour cream salsa, or avocado (for serving, optional)

Method
 

  1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
  3. Add Rice & Seasonings: Stir in the uncooked rice, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it toast for 1 minute.
  4. Add Liquids & Simmer: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), and tomato sauce. Stir everything together, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
  5. Add Cheese & Optional Ingredients: Once the rice is tender, stir in the frozen corn and black beans (if using). Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover with a lid, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with sour cream, salsa, or avocado slices if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Use brown rice instead of white rice, but increase the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.