Description
There’s something magical about the smell of seasoned beef sizzling on the stove, mingling with the warmth of melted cheese and the cozy comfort of fluffy rice. Cheesy taco rice is one of those dishes that feels like home, bringing together the hearty flavors of tacos in a family-friendly, one-pan wonder.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small onion, diced (optional)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in onion and bell pepper if using, and sauté until softened.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and stir until evenly coated.
- Add rice, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Mix well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Top with fresh cilantro and extra cheese before serving.
Notes
Rinse rice before cooking to prevent gumminess. Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting. Let the skillet rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to settle. Add corn or black beans for extra heartiness. Garnish with sour cream, avocado, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg