If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and comforting meal, Cheesy Taco Rice is here to deliver! With ground beef, taco seasoning, and plenty of melty cheese, this dish is packed with flavor and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Serve it up with your favorite taco toppings, and you’ve got a meal that’s both filling and full of flavor!
Ingredients for This Cheesy Taco Rice:
Let’s get cheesy! We’re starting with ground beef and onions to build that savory base. A packet of taco seasoning gives it that signature taco flavor, and beef broth and Rotel tomatoes make the perfect sauce to cook the rice in. The finishing touch? A heap of shredded cheese that melts into this cozy dish, creating a rich, cheesy topping.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 ¼ cups beef broth
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice (dry, uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (any variety)
How to Make Cheesy Taco Rice:
Let’s cook up something cheesy and delicious!
1. Brown the Beef and Onions:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil, ground beef, and diced onion. Cook and crumble the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, and the onions become translucent—this should take about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
2. Add the Seasonings:
Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning packet. Cook for about 30 seconds to let the flavors blend together.
3. Add Liquids and Rice:
Next, stir in the beef broth, Rotel tomatoes, and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, stir in the uncooked rice and bring it back to a boil.
4. Simmer:
Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low (or low), and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook and absorb all those delicious flavors.
5. Add the Cheese:
Once the rice is done cooking, evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Let it cook for another 5 minutes or so, until the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. Serve:
Scoop your cheesy taco rice onto plates and serve it with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Taco Rice:
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but if you’re short on time, garlic paste or garlic powder can be used instead.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice or some chopped cilantro right before serving.
- Make it a complete meal by adding veggies like bell peppers, corn, or black beans during the cooking process.
Notes:
- Garlic: You can use fresh garlic cloves that you’ve minced, or for convenience, use pre-chopped garlic from a jar or garlic paste. If you prefer garlic powder, 1 teaspoon will do the trick.
- Spicy or Mild: Want a spicier version? Use spicy Rotel tomatoes, Pepper Jack cheese, and garnish with sliced jalapeños. To keep it mild, use mild Rotel tomatoes, mild taco seasoning, and a cheese like Colby Jack.
- Pan Size: Make sure to use a large skillet with high sides and a lid to fit everything comfortably.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s a great meal to enjoy the next day!
Cheesy Taco Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 ¼ cups beef broth
- 1 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice dry, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded cheese any variety
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for 30 seconds.
- Add beef broth, Rotel tomatoes, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, then stir in rice and return to a boil.
- Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cook for another 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Serve with taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro.
Notes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6