Cheesy taco rice​ is a satisfying and delicious dish that perfectly combines the hearty flavors of tacos with the comfort of rice. This dish is quick to prepare, filling, and sure to be a hit with the whole family. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to make, and the cheesy topping brings everything together. Read on to learn how to prepare this tasty dish!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Taco Rice​

Cheesy taco rice is a crowd-pleaser that combines the rich flavors of taco seasoning, tender rice, and melted cheese. It’s an incredibly easy dish to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. With its comforting, cheesy texture and savory taco-inspired taste, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it on its own or as a side dish, cheesy taco rice will satisfy everyone’s cravings!

Ingredients

To make your own cheesy taco rice​, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice – This type of rice provides a soft texture and absorbs the flavors well.
• 1 lb ground beef (or alternative protein like chicken or turkey) – This forms the base of your taco mixture.
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix – A convenient way to infuse the dish with taco flavor. You can make your own custom seasoning blend.
• 1 ½ cups beef broth (or water) – This adds moisture and enhances the meat mixture.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds the gooey, melty cheese that makes the dish so comforting.
• 1 small onion, chopped – Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the taco meat.
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) – These provide a juicy and flavorful base for the taco rice.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for sautéing the onions and browning the meat.
• Salt and pepper – Used to adjust the flavor according to your preference.

Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying Sticky Beef and Rice recipe: Sticky Beef and Rice

Cooking Instructions

Here’s how you can prepare this simple yet tasty cheesy taco rice​ in just a few steps:

Cook the Rice

• Begin by washing the rice under cold water to eliminate excess starch.
• In a saucepan, mix 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
• Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Set the rice aside once done.

Cook the Meat

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 2-3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
• Add the ground beef (or your chosen protein) to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart as it browns. Cook for approximately 7-10 minutes until the meat is thoroughly cooked. If there is any excess fat, drain it

Add the Taco Seasoning

• After the meat is cooked, add the taco seasoning and mix thoroughly to ensure the meat is evenly coated.
• Pour in 1 ½ cups of beef broth (or water) and stir to combine. Stir and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce and the flavors to develop.

Combine Rice with Meat Mixture

• Add the cooked rice into the skillet with the taco meat mixture. Stir to combine everything evenly.
• Add the diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring that everything is heated through and well-mixed.

Add the Cheese

• Lower the heat and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the rice and meat mixture.
• Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted into a creamy, gooey layer.

Serving Suggestions

Your cheesy taco rice​ is ready to be served! Here are some ways to elevate the dish:

1. Add Toppings

• To enhance the flavor, top the dish with sour cream, guacamole, or a spoonful of salsa.
• You can also add fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor, or serve with a side of jalapeños for a spicy kick.

2. Add Crunch

• For a contrast in texture, serve your taco rice with crispy tortilla chips on the side.
• You could also sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips over the top for extra crunch.

3. Make It a Salad

• If you prefer a lighter version, you can turn this into a taco salad by adding shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and chopped avocado.

4. Pair with a Side

• This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like Mexican street corn (elote), a simple green salad, or some seasoned black beans.

Tips for Making Perfect Cheesy Taco Rice​

To ensure that your cheesy taco rice​ comes out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

1. Customize Your Seasoning

• While pre-made taco seasoning works well, you can always make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a bit of cayenne pepper for heat. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.

2. Try Different Proteins

• Ground beef is traditional, but you can switch things up by using ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian protein like lentils or tofu. This makes the dish lighter or suits different dietary preferences.

3. Experiment with Cheeses

• Although cheddar is a classic choice, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for a more flavorful dish.

4. Spice It Up

• If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. This will give your taco rice a spicy kick.

5. Minimize Clean-up

• To reduce the number of dishes to wash, use a large pot or Dutch oven that can accommodate both cooking the rice and the meat mixture.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of cheesy taco rice​ (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 400-450 per serving
• Protein: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sodium: 800-900mg

These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of protein or the amount of cheese.

Conclusion

Cheesy taco rice​ is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a quick dinner, this dish is perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and plenty of room for customization, cheesy taco rice​ is a meal you’ll make again and again. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Check out this Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe for another great dish!

FAQs

Cheesy Taco Rice

Richard

Cheesy taco rice is a comforting, cheesy dish combining taco seasoning, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Saucepan

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 lb ground beef or chicken, turkey, or vegetarian protein
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1.5 cups beef broth or water
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 cup diced tomatoes fresh or canned
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper

Instructions

 

• Wash the rice under cold water to eliminate excess starch.
• In a saucepan, mix 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and let simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender. Set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
• Add ground beef (or chosen protein) to the skillet and cook for 7-10 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
• Add taco seasoning and 1.5 cups of beef broth (or water), stir, and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
• Add cooked rice to the skillet, followed by diced tomatoes. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Lower heat, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the rice mixture, cover, and let sit for 3-5 minutes until the cheese has melted.

Notes

Customize the seasoning and protein choice to suit your preferences. You can also make it spicier by adding chili flakes or hot sauce.

Keyword Cheesy, Comfort Food, Rice, Taco