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Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe

Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 30 reviews

Cheesy Taco Rice is a comforting, one-pan dish combining seasoned ground beef, long-grain white rice, and melty shredded cheese. Infused with bold taco flavors from spices and Rotel tomatoes, this recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Ready in under 40 minutes, it pairs wonderfully with fresh toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal.

Ingredients

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Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids

  • 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
  • 2¼ cups beef broth
  • 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Grains and Cheese

  • 1½ cups long-grain white rice (dry, uncooked)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)

Instructions

  1. Brown Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook and crumble the beef until it is no longer pink and the onions are translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan to keep the dish from being greasy.
  2. Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning packet to the cooked beef and onions. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant to unlock the spices’ flavors.
  3. Add Liquids and Rice: Pour in the beef broth, canned Rotel, and tomato paste. Stir well until everything is combined. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the dry rice and bring back to a boil to start the cooking process for the rice.
  4. Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low or low. Let the rice simmer for 15 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavorful liquids and cook through properly.
  5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese melts completely and becomes gooey.
  6. Serve: Fluff the cheesy taco rice gently with a fork. Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and chopped fresh cilantro for added freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Be sure to drain excess grease after browning the beef to avoid a greasy final dish.
  • For extra flavor, you can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce along with the taco seasoning.
  • This recipe works well with leftover cooked rice; just adjust the liquid accordingly.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for richer flavor and meltability.
  • Ensure you cover the pan while simmering to properly cook the rice evenly.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy taco rice, taco rice skillet, ground beef taco rice, one pan taco rice, easy Mexican dinner

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/cheesy-taco-rice-recipe/