This Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and all in one pot for a quick weeknight dinner that your family will love! It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want something comforting yet satisfying. You can even switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Let’s dive right in!
Ingredient Breakdown
Olive Oil
Using olive oil is always a good choice for flavor and health benefits! It’s great for sautéing and gives a beautiful richness to the dish. Feel free to substitute with canola or vegetable oil if that’s what you have on hand.
Ground Beef
I prefer ground beef for this recipe because it browns beautifully and adds that classic taco flavor we all love! You could easily swap in ground turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian version, making it super versatile.
Yellow Onion
A small yellow onion provides a sweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with the spices. You’ll want it finely diced for even cooking. If you’re out of yellow onion, white or red onions will work just fine too!
Garlic
The two cloves of minced garlic are absolutely essential for that aromatic kick. I’m a real sucker for garlic, so sometimes I add a bit more! You can use garlic powder in a pinch, about half a teaspoon should do.
Taco Seasoning
A packet of taco seasoning simplifies your life and packs tons of flavor into this dish. Make your own blend with cumin, paprika, and chili powder if you can!
Beef Broth
2¼ cups of beef broth help to cook the rice while infusing it with flavor. You can substitute with chicken broth for a lighter taste or even vegetable broth for a veggie twist.
Rotel
Using 1 (10 oz) can of Rotel adds a bit of heat and tomato goodness! If you can’t find it, you can sub with diced tomatoes and a pinch of chili powder for that kick!
Tomato Paste
2 tablespoons of tomato paste adds depth and richness to the dish. You could opt for tomato sauce if you’re in a bind, just be cautious with how much liquid you’re adding so it doesn’t get too soupy!
Long-Grain White Rice
You’ll need 1½ cups of long-grain white rice (dry, uncooked) to soak up all those tasty flavors. I prefer long-grain because it stays fluffy! Brown rice works too but will require a longer cooking time.
Shredded Cheese
Finally, 2 cups of shredded cheese (any variety) gives that melty, gooey finish! Cheddar is my go-to, but Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack is also a crowd-pleaser for a little extra spice.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Rice
Cook the beef and onion: In a large skillet pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 pound of ground beef, and the finely diced onion. Cook and crumble the ground beef until it’s no longer pink and the onions are translucent about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease from the pan!
Add the aromatic base: Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning; cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine the liquids: Next, add in the beef broth, Rotel, and tomato paste. Stir everything together until combined and bring to a boil.
Cook the rice: Once boiling, stir in the 1½ cups of rice. Bring the mixture back to a boil. Then, cover your skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 15 minutes.
Melt the cheese: After the rice has absorbed the moisture and is tender, evenly sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded cheese over the top, cooking for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted.
Serve and enjoy: Serve with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and chopped fresh cilantro. It’s time to dig in!
Why I Love This Recipe
This cheesy taco rice is my go-to recipe when I need something quick but comforting. I love how it brings together the flavors of my favorite tacos in one simple dish! Seriously, I’m a real sucker for anything cheesy and flavorful, and this recipe definitely delivers. The best part is the versatility, it’s like a delicious blank canvas for whatever I have in my fridge!
If you loved this Cheesy Taco Rice recipe, be sure to check out my French Onion Butter Rice, my Turmeric Rice, or my Black Beans and Rice with Sausage!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Cheesy Taco Rice recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights!
One Pot
With everything cooked in one skillet, it means minimal cleanup. Who doesn’t love that?
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable, everyday ingredients helps keep costs down while serving up something delicious and filling.
Customizable
Feel free to toss in any veggies or proteins you have on hand. Need to clean out the fridge? This is a great opportunity!
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor, this dish hits the spot and is sure to leave everyone satisfied!
Serving & Storage
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Cheesy Taco Rice with a simple green salad or some tortilla chips for scooping. You could also top it off with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro to brighten it up!
Storage
This tasty dish keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through, adding a splash of water if it feels a bit dry.
Freezer Friendly
Yes, this meal is freezer friendly! Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container, and it’ll last up to 3 months. For best results, reheat slowly in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of broth to add moisture.
In Conclusion
And there you have it! A quick, easy, and delicious Cheesy Taco Rice recipe that’s sure to be a hit in your household, just like it is in mine. It’s versatile, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying, making it the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Happy cooking!
Phew, what a journey! I hope you find this recipe as delightful as I do. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make dinner easy and enjoyable! If you try it out, let me know how it goes. Enjoy! Follow LunaChef on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration and air fryer cooking tips.
Cheesy Taco Rice
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, ground beef, and diced onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add beef broth, Rotel, and tomato paste. Mix until combined and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, stir in the rice. Bring back to boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low, cooking for 15 minutes.
- After rice is tender, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cooking for an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Serve with taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro.