introduction
This Cheesy Taco Rice is simple and fast. It mixes beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese in one pan. Try it for a quick dinner and see other ideas in this rice recipes collection.
why make this recipe
This dish is warm, filling, and tasty. It cooks in one pan, so cleanup is quick. Kids and adults both like it.
how to make Cheesy Taco Rice
You cook the beef and onions, add spices and liquids, then stir in rice. Let the rice cook in the pan, add cheese, and melt. Top with your favorite taco toppings.
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)
Directions :
- In a large skillet pan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil, ground beef, and onion.
- Cook and crumble the ground beef until it’s no longer pink and the onions are translucent – about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Add the garlic and taco seasoning packet into the cooked ground beef and stir everything together. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the beef broth, Rotel, and tomato paste until combined. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, stir in the rice and bring the mixture back to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover the skillet pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low or low and cook for 15 minutes.
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and cook for another 5 minutes or until the cheese has completely melted.
- Serve with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and chopped fresh cilantro.
how to serve Cheesy Taco Rice
Serve hot from the pan. Add sour cream, chopped cilantro, pico de gallo, or guacamole. You can offer lime wedges on the side.
how to store Cheesy Taco Rice
Cool the rice to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water.
tips to make Cheesy Taco Rice
– Use low-sodium broth if you want less salt.
– Rinse the rice if you want less starch.
– Keep the lid on while the rice cooks to trap steam.
– Stir gently after adding rice to avoid breaking grains.
variation (if any)
– Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
– Add black beans or corn for more veggies.
– Try pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend for more flavor.
– Make it spicy by adding chopped jalapeño.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice needs more liquid and longer cook time. Follow the brown rice package and adjust broth.
Can I freeze leftover Cheesy Taco Rice?
Yes. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What if my rice is still hard after 15 minutes?
Add a little more hot broth or water, cover, and cook a few more minutes until tender.
Conclusion
For another version and more ideas, see the original Cheesy Taco Rice recipe at Cheesy Taco Rice – Cooking in the Midwest.