One-Pan Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe: Your Ultimate Weeknight Mexican Dinner
This incredibly delicious **Taco Rice** recipe offers everything you adore about classic tacos, but ingeniously served over a bed of fluffy rice instead of traditional tortillas. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish brimming with savory, seasoned meat, perfectly melted cheese, and all your favorite Mexican-inspired spices. If you’re a fan of quick, comforting meals that burst with flavor, this one-pan wonder is about to become a staple in your kitchen.
For those who, like me, simply can’t get enough of Mexican cuisine, this recipe is a true game-changer. Whether your cravings lean towards hearty burritos, crispy tacos, or sizzling fajitas, there’s always room for more authentic flavors. This easy taco rice recipe has quickly risen to the top of my list for satisfying those Mexican food desires with minimal effort and maximum taste. It’s a fantastic alternative when you want the essence of tacos in a different, equally satisfying format.
The undisputed highlight of this dish is the richly seasoned ground beef, cooked until tender and bursting with a depth of flavor that truly sets it apart. A savory tomato sauce and generous amounts of melty cheddar cheese integrate seamlessly, creating a wonderfully rich and creamy texture that elevates the entire experience. This beefy, cheesy rice serves as the perfect canvas for your preferred condiments and fresh garnishes. Once you try making this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this delightful twist on taco night!
Beyond its incredible taste, one of the best features of this recipe is its sheer convenience. Everything, from browning the meat to cooking the rice and melting the cheese, comes together in a single skillet. This means significantly less cleanup after dinner, which is always a win in my book. Any day I can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without facing a mountain of dishes is a truly good day!
Why You’ll Adore This Cheesy Beef & Rice Dish
I frequently prepare this taco rice recipe, and I’m genuinely confident that you’ll find yourself reaching for it just as often as I do. Here’s a deeper dive into what makes this one-pan Mexican rice dish so utterly lovable and perfect for any occasion:
- Effortlessly Fast and Easy: This dish is my ultimate weeknight hero for a reason. It requires minimal active cooking time and straightforward steps, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you crave a hearty, home-cooked meal but are short on time and energy. From start to finish, you can have this flavorful meal on the table in under 40 minutes. It’s a comforting, satisfying option that won’t leave you feeling exhausted after a long day.
- Surprisingly Wholesome: While taco rice tastes incredibly indulgent, it’s actually quite balanced and can be made very healthy. Packed with protein-rich beef, wholesome rice, and a vibrant tomato sauce base, it provides a solid foundation for a nutritious meal. Furthermore, you can significantly boost its health benefits by loading it up with fresh, crisp garnishes like creamy avocado, juicy diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and fresh cilantro. It serves as a delicious reminder that some of the most satisfying foods can also be genuinely good for you!
- Incredibly Customizable: One of the joys of cooking this taco rice is its versatility. You can effortlessly adapt this recipe to suit your dietary preferences or simply to try new flavor combinations. Feel free to swap out the protein, experiment with different types of cheese, or get truly creative with a wide array of toppings. This dish invites personalization, ensuring it’s always perfect for your palate and preferences.
Essential Ingredients for Taco Rice
You’ll be pleased to find that this one-pan taco rice recipe calls for many ingredients you likely already have on hand in your refrigerator or pantry. For precise measurements of each component, please refer to the detailed recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this page.
- Onion: A small white onion is my go-to for this recipe, offering a crisp, mild sweetness that complements the other flavors beautifully. However, yellow or red onions would also work wonderfully, each adding its own subtle character.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for building a robust flavor base. Its pungent aroma and savory notes are indispensable to classic Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (around 80/20 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease. The beef is the hearty core of this dish, providing rich texture and protein.
- Taco Seasoning: This blend of spices is what gives our rice its signature taco flavor. You can use a store-bought packet for convenience or whip up your own homemade version for fresher, more controlled flavors.
- White Rice: Uncooked long-grain white rice is best for this recipe. Its individual grains cook up nicely separate and fluffy, absorbing the delicious liquids and seasonings without becoming overly sticky.
- Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish while infusing it with savory chicken notes that enhance the beef and seasoning.
- Tomato Sauce: A can of plain tomato sauce adds a pleasant tang and helps create a rich, saucy base for the rice and beef, contributing to the overall moisture and depth of flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shred your own block of sharp or mild cheddar cheese for superior melt and flavor. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and incorporates better into the dish.
Simple Steps to Prepare Delicious Taco Rice
This savory one-pan taco rice comes together in approximately 35 minutes, following a series of incredibly straightforward steps. Get ready for an easy, flavorful meal!
- Brown the Beef: Begin by browning the ground beef in a large, sturdy skillet over medium-high heat. As it cooks, use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into small, even crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, ensuring it’s thoroughly cooked.
- Sauté the Onions: Once the beef is mostly browned, add the finely chopped onions to the skillet with the beef. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and become translucent, usually about 3-5 minutes. After this, carefully drain any excess grease from the pan to keep the dish from becoming oily.
- Infuse with Garlic: Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for approximately 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Season Generously: Stir in the taco seasoning, ensuring the beef and onions are thoroughly and evenly coated with the spice blend. This step is crucial for building that authentic taco flavor.
- Add Rice and Liquid: Pour the uncooked long-grain rice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined, ensuring the rice is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer and Cook: Bring the liquid to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and let it simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the rice is perfectly tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot rice and beef mixture. Stir until the cheese has completely melted and is beautifully incorporated, creating a creamy, cohesive dish.
- Serve Immediately: Dish out the warm, cheesy taco rice onto plates. Garnish generously with your favorite fresh toppings (see suggestions below) and serve this delightful Mexican meal.
Expert Tips and Creative Variations for Taco Rice
Elevate your taco rice experience with these valuable tips and delightful variations, allowing you to perfect the dish or customize it to your heart’s content.
- Achieve a Deep Brown on the Meat: When cooking the ground beef, don’t rush the browning process. Browning is where the magic happens – it creates a rich, complex flavor through the Maillard reaction. Allow the meat to get a good sear and develop some color on the bottom of the pan before breaking it up completely. The more you brown the beef, the more intensely flavorful your taco rice will be. Don’t be shy about letting it sizzle!
- Substitute with Ground Turkey: For a lighter, leaner alternative without sacrificing flavor, consider replacing the ground beef with ground turkey. This is an excellent option if you’re looking to reduce fat content or simply prefer the taste of turkey. The seasoning and other ingredients will ensure it still tastes absolutely fantastic and satisfying.
- Craft Your Own Taco Seasoning: Take this recipe to the next level by making your own taco seasoning from scratch instead of relying on store-bought packets. Homemade seasoning offers a fresher flavor profile and allows you to control the spice levels and ingredients. My homemade taco seasoning recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and yields superior results.
- Unleash Your Creativity with Toppings: Think of taco rice as a deconstructed, saucy nachos dish, and load it up with all your favorite fixings! Classic additions include crisp shredded lettuce, diced fresh tomatoes, a dollop of cool sour cream, fragrant cilantro, and zesty pickled or fresh jalapeños. For an extra creamy touch, add slices of ripe avocado or a spoonful of guacamole. Other fantastic options include vibrant salsa, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness, or a sprinkle of crumbly cotija cheese. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Complementary Serving Suggestions
While this beefy, cheesy taco rice is hearty and flavorful enough to stand alone as a complete meal, I often enjoy pairing it with some of my favorite fresh Mexican side dishes to create a more expansive and satisfying spread. Here are some delicious ideas for what to serve alongside this versatile recipe:
- Mexican Coleslaw: A refreshing, zesty slaw adds a crunchy, cool contrast.
- Mexican Chopped Salad with Creamy Chipotle Dressing: A vibrant salad brings freshness and a touch of smoky spice.
- Cheese Quesadilla: Simple, cheesy quesadillas are a classic and comforting accompaniment.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa provides a burst of juicy tomato, onion, and cilantro.
- Crispy Tortilla Chips: Perfect for scooping up any extra delicious bits of taco rice!
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the many benefits of this taco rice recipe is that it tastes just as fantastic, if not even better, as leftovers the next day! Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this delicious meal for days to come.
To store, transfer any leftover taco rice to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, there are a few options:
- Oven: For best results, reheat the rice in a covered baking dish in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through. A splash of water or broth can prevent it from drying out.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally. Add a small splash of water or chicken broth to help rehydrate the rice and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, place the rice in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and cook on 80% power in 30-second increments, stirring between intervals, until hot.
Freezing – This recipe also freezes well, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Store the cooled leftover taco rice in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave before reheating using one of the methods above.
Discover More Delicious & Easy Mexican Recipes
As I always say, there’s truly no such thing as too much Mexican food! If you’ve enjoyed this taco rice, be sure to explore some of these other fantastic and easy-to-make recipes that bring the vibrant flavors of Mexico right into your home. Each one is a delightful way to satisfy your cravings for authentic and comforting dishes:
- Mexican Pizza: A fun and customizable twist on pizza night with Mexican flair.
- Barbecue Chicken Nachos: Loaded with smoky chicken and gooey cheese, perfect for sharing.
- Mexican Skillet Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with Mexican spices, a wonderful side dish or breakfast option.
- Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookies: A sweet treat with a hint of cinnamon and spice.
- Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas: Creamy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken.
Taco Rice
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Ingredients
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning, 1 packet
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Sour Cream
- Cilantro
- Jalapeños
- Avocados
- Tortilla Chips
Instructions
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Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it apart as you cook.1 pound lean ground beef
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Add the onions and cook until they’re soft, and the beef is no longer pnik in the middle. Drain away the grease from the pan.1 small onion
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Add in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until you can smell it.2 cloves garlic
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Stir in the taco seasoning until the meat is evenly coated.3 tablespoons taco seasoning
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Pour in the rice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir until well blended.1 cup uncooked long grain white rice, 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 8 ounces tomato sauce
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Bring the liquid to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 20 minutes, until the rice is tender, while occasionally stirring.
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Once the rice is cooked, stir in the cheese.1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Serve with the toppings of your choice.
Notes
- For best results, use my recipe for homemade taco seasoning.
- If you want to make this recipe healthier, you can use ground turkey instead of ground beef.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days, or in the freezer for 3 months.
- Reheat in a covered baking dish for 15 minutes in a 375F oven.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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