Cheesy Taco Rice

Cheesy Taco Rice has a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to share it with you. I stumbled upon this gem during a busy weeknight, when I needed something quick but packed with flavor. It felt like a modern twist on classic comfort food, merging the fiesta flavors we all love into a single, yummy dish. Whether it’s for a hectic family dinner, a cozy night in, or even a small gathering with friends, this one-pot wonder is an all-star!

Grab a seat, my friend, and let’s dive into why this one-pan dish is not just a meal, but an experience.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Imagine coming home after a whirlwind day, the familiar aroma of simmering spices wafting through your kitchen, making everything feel just right. With Cheesy Taco Rice, you get that warm comfort without spending hours over the stove. This dish blends the savory richness of ground beef with the playful kick of taco seasoning and zesty tomatoes, all cuddled up with fluffy rice and topped with a gooey layer of sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a delightful medley that feeds not just the body but the soul!

Every bite is a fiesta. The vibrant colors and textures make it a feast for both your eyes and your taste buds. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to whip up. This recipe contains beloved ingredients that work harmoniously. You can customize it to suit your taste, making it your very own creation.

Ingredients overview

To kick things off, let’s gather what you’ll need to whip up this cheesy masterpiece:

• Ground Beef (1 pound): Aim for an 80/20 blend for the perfect mix of flavor and juiciness. You can swap it for turkey or a plant-based alternative if you’re feeling adventurous or need a lighter option!

• Taco Seasoning (1 packet): This pre-mixed love in a packet is your best friend. If you’re into making your own, blend cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika for a personalized kick.

• Long Grain White Rice (1 cup): This is the backbone of the dish! You could experiment with brown rice for a nutty flavor or quinoa for a protein boost, but be mindful of cooking times.

• Rotel Tomatoes (10 oz can): These tomatoes are typically mixed with green chilies, adding a delightful zing. If you can’t find Rotel, diced tomatoes with a sprinkle of chili powder will work just fine!

• Black Beans (15 oz can): Rinse and drain these little nuggets of nutrition. Can’t stand beans? Feel free to skip them, or replace them with corn for sweetness.

• Red Enchilada Sauce (1 cup): This sauce cranks up the flavor dial. You can opt for green enchilada sauce or even homemade if you’re feeling extra ambitious!

• Chicken Broth (2 cups): This liquid gold adds depth and moisture. Vegetable broth is a great substitution for those keeping it plant-based.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese (8 oz): The crown jewel. Sharp cheddar is perfect for that bold flavor, but imagine how marvelous this would be with pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a spicy twist!

• Kosher Salt & Fresh Cracked Pepper: Season well! These staples elevate the dish, so don’t skimp.

• Toppings: Prepare to make it your own! You’ll want sour cream, sliced green onion, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and don’t forget those crunchy tortilla chips for scooping!

How this recipe comes together

Let’s throw on our apron and start creating this delightful dish! Follow these easy steps for a sensational result:

1. Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and let it begin browning, crumbling it up with a spatula until it’s golden brown. The smell will be incredible!

2. Toss in the taco seasoning, rice, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, enchilada sauce, and chicken broth. Don’t forget to sprinkle in a couple of generous pinches of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed—we want those flavors to dance together!

3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Keep an eye on it! Stir occasionally and gently scrape any rice that sticks to the pot. We don’t want any sad rice at the bottom; it’s all about celebrating the good stuff!

4. Cover and let it cook on medium-low for 20 minutes. The magic happens here as the rice absorbs all that savory goodness. Make sure to check for doneness and season to taste as you go—some may love a bit more salt!

5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, cover again for a few minutes, and let that cheesy goodness melt into a blissful blanket. For an extra melty finish, pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Just watch it closely!

6. Finish off with a generous dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and crunchy green onion to give it that pizzazz. Serve with tortilla chips on the side—perfect for scooping up every last cheesy morsel.

Best way to enjoy it

Cheesy Taco Rice is versatile! Serve it family-style right from the pot, letting everyone help themselves. Pair it with a light side salad for a refreshing contrast. You could even serve it topped with avocado slices for an extra creamy texture or alongside some guacamole for a fiesta feel. Craving crunch? Keep those tortilla chips handy for a satisfying texture.

Feel free to set up a topping bar! Lay out your favorites—jalapeños, salsa, or even a squirt of lime juice. It’s like a taco night but in a cozy bowl.

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Cheesy Taco Rice stores pretty well. Scoop any extras into an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. It’ll be good for about three days.

For reheating, it’s best to do it on the stovetop in a skillet with a splash of water or broth over low heat. This gently brings it back to life without drying it out.

You can also freeze it! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready for round two, thaw it in the fridge overnight and follow the reheating tips mentioned earlier.

Extra tips and advice

• Don’t skip browning the beef! That little step builds a flavor foundation that makes all the difference.

• Consider toasting your taco seasoning in the pan before adding liquids. You’ll release those warm, aromatic oils—trust me, it’s magic!

• If you’re feeling playful, add a can of corn for sweetness or some diced bell pepper for crunch. You do you!

• For a spicier kick, swap the mild Rotel for the hot version or add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking.

Creative Twists

Here’s where you can let your creativity shine!

• Vegetable lovers: Roast some zucchini or bell peppers and mix them in for added nutrients and color.

• Lighter spin: Use cauliflower rice instead of the traditional rice! Just make sure you don’t overcook it—about 5-7 minutes should do the trick.

• Breakfast flourish: Top off with a fried egg and fresh avocado in the morning for a taco breakfast bowl to start your day.

Ingredients list

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (3 tablespoons)
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes
• 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup red enchilada sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper
• Toppings: sour cream, sliced green onion, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips

Step-by-step instructions

1. Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, crumbling with a spatula.
2. Add taco seasoning, rice, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, enchilada sauce, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Cook over medium heat until simmering. Stir occasionally, scraping any rice from the bottom.
4. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes or until rice is tender. Season to taste.
5. Top with shredded cheese and cover for 2 minutes until melted. Optional: broil for 1-2 minutes for extra melty goodness.
6. Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, and green onion. Serve with tortilla chips.

Common questions

• How long does this take to make? Total prep and cook time is about 30-40 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner!

• Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.

• What can I pair this with? A fresh side salad or some simple guacamole works wonders!

• Is this recipe kid-friendly? You bet! The cheesy goodness is a hit with kids. You can adjust the spice level to suit their taste.

• What do I do if I don’t have taco seasoning? You can easily make your own with spices found in your pantry—cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and some paprika!

Cooking together makes the process so much sweeter. Give this Cheesy Taco Rice recipe a go, and don’t be shy about adding your personal spin to it. Invite friends over, try different toppings, or make it your go-to comfort meal. And remember, great cooking is all about enjoying the journey. Happy cooking!

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Cheesy Taco Rice

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Dinner, Main Course, Weeknight Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food E Easy Non Vegetarian Quick Meals W Weeknight

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 40 mins

Cooking Temp: medium  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 450

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Cheesy Taco Rice is a quick and delicious dish that combines ground beef, taco seasoning, tomatoes, and cheese into a comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Rice

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20) (or a plant-based alternative)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (3 tablespoons, or homemade)
• 1 cup long grain white rice (can substitute with brown rice or quinoa)
• 10 oz Rotel tomatoes (or diced tomatoes with chili powder)
• 15 oz black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup red enchilada sauce (can substitute with green sauce)
• 2 cups chicken broth (can substitute with vegetable broth)
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• to taste kosher salt
• to taste fresh cracked pepper
• toppings (sour cream, sliced green onion, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

   Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, crumbling with a spatula.
   Mark as complete

2. Combine Ingredients

   Add taco seasoning, rice, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, enchilada sauce, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
   Mark as complete

3. Simmer

   Cook over medium heat until simmering. Stir occasionally, scraping any rice from the bottom.
   Mark as complete

4. Cook Rice

   Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes or until rice is tender. Season to taste.
   Mark as complete

5. Melt Cheese

   Top with shredded cheese and cover for 2 minutes until melted. Optional: broil for 1-2 minutes for extra melty goodness.
   Mark as complete

6. Garnish and Serve

   Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, and green onion. Serve with tortilla chips.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 70mg24%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 45g15%

Dietary Fiber 8g32%

Sugars 2g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 10 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.2 mg

Riboflavin 0.3 mg

Niacin 6 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 60 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 40 mg

Zinc 5 mg

Selenium 20 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This dish makes great leftovers and can be easily reheated. Consider adding extra veggies or different spices based on your preference.

Keywords: Taco Rice, Cheesy Taco Rice, One-Pot Meal, Comfort Food