If you’re craving a dish that combines the comforting warmth of cheesy goodness with the vibrant, bold flavors of taco seasoning, this Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings together juicy ground beef, tender rice, and melty cheese with a punch of spice from Rotel tomatoes and taco seasoning. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe hits all the right notes with its rich textures and satisfying flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most flavorful dishes, and that is definitely true here. Each component plays an important role: the tender ground beef builds the base, the rice absorbs every bit of savory sauce, and the cheese ties everything together with creamy bliss.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef nicely without sticking and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this dish satisfying and filling.
- Small yellow onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth once softened.
- Garlic cloves: Bring fragrant, savory warmth to the mix.
- Taco seasoning packet: Packed with spices that create that signature taco flavor.
- Beef broth: Infuses the rice and meat with rich, meaty flavor while cooking the rice.
- Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies): Adds a little heat and a fresh, zesty kick.
- Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and deepens the tomato flavor.
- Long-grain white rice: Cooks up fluffy and soaks in all the delicious juices.
- Shredded cheese: Melts over the top to create a creamy, irresistible finish.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe
Step 1: Brown Beef and Onions
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and finely diced onions, then cook them together, breaking up the meat, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions turn translucent. This step develops a savory base packed with texture and flavor. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease to keep it from getting oily!
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Once your beef and onions are perfectly browned, toss in minced garlic along with the taco seasoning packet. Stir everything quickly and cook for about 30 seconds to let the spices bloom and the garlic release its aroma. You’ll start smelling those classic taco vibes right away.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Rice
Next, pour in the beef broth, canned Rotel, and tomato paste. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once bubbling, add the dry long-grain rice and bring it back to a boil. This liquid component gives the rice all the juicy flavor it needs to transform into something spectacular.
Step 4: Simmer
Cover your skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low or medium-low, and let the rice cook gently for about 15 minutes. The rice will absorb all the savory broth and tomato mixture, baking in that delightful taco essence with the beef and spices.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Finally, sprinkle your shredded cheese evenly over the top of the cooked rice mixture. Cover again for another 5 minutes to let the cheese completely melt into that bubbly, luscious layer that turns this dish into a cheesy masterpiece. This moment is when everything comes together into pure comfort food magic.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe
Garnishes
The fun part about serving this Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe is customizing it with toppings that add freshness, creaminess, and crunch. Consider dollops of sour cream, slices of ripe avocado or guacamole, vibrant pico de gallo, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for color and burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair it with a simple green salad to lighten things up or some crispy tortilla chips for dipping. Refried beans or Mexican street corn (elote) make outstanding sides to round out your taco rice feast with traditional, hearty sides that everyone loves.
Creative Ways to Present
For an exciting twist, serve the Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe inside hollowed-out bell peppers or crispy taco shells. Alternatively, spread it as a layer in a casserole dish with extra cheese on top for a baked fiesta-style meal. The versatility makes it perfect for casual dinners or entertaining friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Cheesy Taco Rice cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making it a great option for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a comforting meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly—no need to lose that delicious cheesy taco rice flavor even after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat the leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of beef broth or water while reheating can help restore that creamy texture and prevent drying out. Be sure to cover the dish to trap moisture and keep the cheese melty.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works beautifully in this Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking times as turkey cooks a bit faster, and adjust seasoning to your taste.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all melt wonderfully here. Choose a sharp cheese if you want more boldness, or a mild cheese for a creamier, subtle finish—either way, it’s delicious.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
The Rotel and taco seasoning give it a gentle kick, but it’s not overly spicy. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of Rotel or opt for a mild taco seasoning. For heat lovers, add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce on top.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free taco seasoning and double-check that your broth has no gluten-containing ingredients. It’s a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I cook this in a rice cooker or Instant Pot?
You can adapt this recipe for a rice cooker or Instant Pot by sautéing the beef and onions first, then adding the seasonings, liquids, and rice. Adjust cooking times according to your appliance, but the basic flavors and textures will shine through perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe because it truly brings everything you want in a meal—comfort, bold flavors, and cheesy goodness—all in one pot. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish delivers satisfying, easy-to-love comfort food every time. Give it a go, and I promise it’ll be a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Cheesy Taco Rice recipe is a flavorful, one-pan meal combining ground beef, aromatic spices, and melted cheese, all perfectly cooked with rice for a comforting and easy dinner. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights and can be customized with your favorite taco toppings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2¼ cups beef broth
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice (dry, uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (any variety)
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook and crumble the beef until it is no longer pink and the onions turn translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic and the taco seasoning packet. Cook together for about 30 seconds to release the flavors.
- Add Liquids and Rice: Pour in the beef broth, can of Rotel, and tomato paste. Stir everything until combined and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the rice and return to a boil.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low or low. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and cook through.
- Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over the cooked rice and beef mixture. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve: Garnish with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, or chopped fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to drain excess grease after browning the beef to avoid a greasy dish.
- Use any cheese variety you prefer, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- For a spicier version, add jalapeños or hot sauce along with the Rotel.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, confirm that your taco seasoning packet is gluten-free.
