Nothing says comfort food like a warm, cheesy dish packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures. This Cheesy Taco Rice is the ultimate one-pan weeknight dinner that brings together seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese for a meal your whole family will adore. Whether you’re rushing home after work or looking for a simple dinner to please every palate, this dish delivers hearty satisfaction in just about 30 minutes.
With easy steps and one skillet cleanup, this recipe offers a perfect balance of spices and gooey cheese, making every bite bursting with goodness. Add your favorite toppings to customize it further, and you’ve got a winner for busy weeknights.
- Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for quick dinners.
- One-pan method means easy cooking and cleanup.
- Combines well-seasoned beef, tender rice, and lots of melted cheese.
- Customizable with your favorite taco toppings for added flavor.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (1 lb, 85/15 lean): Provides a rich, savory base with just enough fat to keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Diced yellow onion (1 cup): Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation that complements the spices and meat.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Delivers subtle pungency to deepen flavor complexity.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup, uncooked): Creates fluffy, separate grains that absorb the seasonings beautifully.
- Taco seasoning (1 oz packet): A blend of chili powder, cumin, and spices that gives the dish its signature southwestern flavor.
- Beef broth (2.5 cups): Adds moisture and richness, cooking the rice perfectly while enhancing the beefy taste.
- Salsa (1 cup, your favorite kind): Introduces brightness and a hint of acidity, balancing out the richness.
- Shredded cheese blend (2 cups, Cheddar and Monterey Jack): Combines sharpness and creaminess for irresistible gooey melting.
- Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, jalapeños: Provide cool, fresh, and spicy contrasts to the cheesy taco rice.
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef and Onion
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef with diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions softened, about 5-7 minutes. Browning meat releases rich flavors and frying onions enhances their sweetness, building a delicious foundation.
- Add Garlic and Toast the Rice
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the uncooked rice and taco seasoning, stirring continuously to toast the rice for 1 minute. Toasting rice brings out a nuttier flavor and infuses it with seasoning.
- Simmer Rice in Broth and Salsa
Pour in the beef broth and salsa, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. This slow cooking ensures perfectly cooked rice infused with spicy, savory flavors.
- Melt Cheese Over the Completed Dish
Remove the skillet from heat and evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover again and allow it to stand for 2-3 minutes, letting the residual heat melt the cheese fully. This step creates a luscious, gooey finish that ties the dish together.
- Garnish and Serve Immediately
Add your choice of toppings such as sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and texture contrasts. Serving immediately keeps cheese perfectly gooey and the dish piping hot.
- For best melt and flavor, shred cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taco seasoning brand’s saltiness.
- Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days when refrigerated in an airtight container.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to maintain moisture and melt cheese fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to balance richness. For extra taco flair, serve with warm tortillas or crunchy tortilla chips on the side.
- Use a heavy skillet or Dutch oven for even heat distribution, preventing rice from burning.
- If you prefer spicier food, add chopped jalapeños during the cooking or sprinkle chili flakes to taste.
- Try substituting ground turkey for beef for a lighter variation without sacrificing flavor.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Can I use brown rice in place of white rice?
Brown rice requires longer cooking time. Increase simmer time and add more broth as needed to cook fully.
- Is this dish freezer friendly?
While you can freeze leftovers, cheese texture may change. It’s best to freeze components separately if possible.
- Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Absolutely! Customize spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder to your taste.
- How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Omit cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives, and skip sour cream or select non-dairy toppings.
- What toppings work best with this dish?
Sour cream, cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and sliced green onions all add fresh, complementary flavors.
- Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can cook it ahead and reheat gently before serving. Add fresh toppings just before eating.
Cheesy Taco Rice One-Pan Dinner
Equipment
- 1 large skillet or Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 85/15 lean
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 oz taco seasoning 1 packet
- 2.5 cups beef broth
- 1 cup salsa your favorite kind
- 2 cups shredded cheese blend Cheddar and Monterey Jack
- Optional toppings: sour cream cilantro, jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned; drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in uncooked rice and taco seasoning, toasting rice for 1 minute.
- Pour in beef broth and salsa, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover, and let stand 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Garnish with optional toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
- Shred cheese yourself for the best melting quality.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
