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Cheesy Taco Rice (One-Pan Recipe) Recipe

Cheesy Taco Rice (One-Pan Recipe) Recipe

4.8 from 30 reviews

This Cheesy Taco Rice is a delicious one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, savory rice cooked in beef broth with diced tomatoes and chilies, and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a quick and hearty dinner, this recipe is flavorful, comforting, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Veggies

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

Seasoning and Liquids

  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2 1/4 cups beef broth
  • 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Carbohydrates and Cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or your choice)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet with high sides, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is no longer pink and onion is softened, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently to release the flavors.
  3. Add Liquids and Rice: Pour in beef broth, Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato paste. Stir until well combined and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the uncooked long-grain white rice, stir again, and return to a boil.
  4. Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce heat to medium-low or low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the rice. Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and gooey.
  6. Serve: Serve the cheesy taco rice hot, topped with your favorite garnishes such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or chopped cilantro for added freshness and flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to make it leaner.
  • Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing mild or hot Rotel, or adding extra chili powder.
  • Use low-sodium beef broth to reduce salt content if preferred.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based meat alternatives or beans instead of ground beef.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco rice, cheesy taco rice, one-pan recipe, ground beef recipe, Mexican-inspired dish, easy dinner, quick recipe