Description
Cheesy Taco Rice is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef, cooked rice, and melted cheese. Infused with taco spices and a hint of tomato, this comforting dish offers a perfect blend of savory and cheesy goodness, ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal family dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 1/4 cups beef broth
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (dry, uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Instructions
- Cook the beef and onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is fully browned and onions become translucent. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for about 30 seconds to release their flavors into the beef mixture.
- Add liquids and tomato paste: Pour in beef broth, canned Rotel with juices, and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a boil, preparing for the rice to cook in the flavorful liquid.
- Cook the rice: Stir in the uncooked rice and bring the skillet back to a boil. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, letting it simmer gently for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the cooked rice mixture. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes on low heat until the cheese melts into a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Rest and serve: Allow the dish to rest briefly off the heat before serving. This helps the flavors meld. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, diced avocado, or chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use a Mexican cheese blend or sharp cheddar for richer flavor.
- If you don’t have Rotel, plain diced tomatoes with a pinch of chili powder work well.
- Ensure the rice is fully covered by liquid to avoid burning or undercooked grains.
- For added veggies, mix in corn or black beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
