If you’re craving a dish that combines all your favorite taco flavors with gooey, melty cheese in one comforting, easy meal, then you have to try this Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe. It’s like a fiesta in a skillet, bringing together seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and vibrant Rotel tomatoes all topped with a generous blanket of cheese. This recipe hits the perfect balance between savory, spicy, and cheesy, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for weeknights or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up in about 25 minutes, yet rich and flavorful enough to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe truly shine, the ingredients may be straightforward, but each one plays a vital role. From the savory ground beef and aromatic onions to the zesty Rotel and melted cheese, every component adds a layer of flavor and texture that makes this dish irresistible.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef evenly and keeps everything from sticking to the pan.
- Ground beef: The hearty base that brings protein and rich flavor.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed until translucent.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses a warm, aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
- Taco seasoning: Blends classic southwest spices that pack a flavorful punch.
- Beef broth: Gives the rice a savory cooking liquid that enhances flavor.
- Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies): Provides tangy juiciness combined with a mild kick.
- Tomato paste: Adds richness and a concentrated tomato flavor to balance the dish.
- Long-grain white rice: Cooks perfectly fluffy and absorbs all the delicious seasonings.
- Shredded cheese: Melts into luscious layers of creamy goodness — feel free to choose your favorite type!
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 along with the diced onions, cooking until the beef loses its pink color and the onions turn translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step creates the savory foundation of your dish. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease once done to keep the flavors balanced.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Next, toss in the minced garlic and taco seasoning packet. Stir everything together and cook for about 30 seconds to let the spices bloom and garlic become fragrant. This quick step really starts bringing those classic taco flavors to life.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Rice
Pour in the beef broth, Rotel tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir until everything is well combined. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil — this is the flavor-packed broth your rice will absorb. Once boiling, add the uncooked rice, stirring it in so every grain gets coated with the tasty liquids.
Step 4: Simmer
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the rice gently simmer for 15 minutes. This slow simmer is key to perfectly cooked rice that’s tender but not mushy, soaking up all the taco spices and tomato goodness.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Finally, sprinkle an even layer of shredded cheese over the top of the rice mixture. Cover again and let the cheese melt for about 5 minutes. The gooey cheese topping pulls everything together, creating a comforting, cheesy finish that’s truly irresistible.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe
Garnishes
After all that cheesy goodness, it’s fun to add a few fresh toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo to add cool creaminess and brightness. Chopped fresh cilantro scattered on top adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette or some warm, soft tortillas to scoop it up. Black beans or corn on the cob also make fantastic complements that echo the southwest vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe inside hollowed-out bell peppers or use it as a filling for stuffed burritos or taco bowls. You can even layer it with taco chips and additional cheese for a decadent taco rice casserole that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for even tastier bites the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes nicely for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, making sure to cool completely before freezing to preserve freshness.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry, and stir to revive the creamy, cheesy texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well for a lighter version, though the flavor will be a bit milder. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture since turkey tends to release more liquid.
What type of cheese is best for this dish?
Cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or even a Mexican cheese blend for authentic flavor combinations.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level mainly depends on your taco seasoning and the Rotel tomatoes used. If you prefer mild flavors, choose mild Rotel and a mild taco seasoning or use less of it.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth for the liquid. The taco seasoning and cheese will keep the flavors vibrant.
How can I adjust the rice to be gluten-free?
Long-grain white rice and most of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your taco seasoning packet to ensure it contains no gluten additives.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe. It’s a hearty, flavorful, and fun dish that brings the best of a taco night into a single skillet full of cheesy, spicy goodness. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to become one you reach for again and again. So grab your skillet, invite your favorite people, and get ready to enjoy a bowlful of comfort and joy!
Print
Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Taco Rice recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick dinner, it features a blend of taco spices, Rotel tomatoes, and gooey cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and packed with zest and savory goodness.
Ingredients
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
- 2¼ cups beef broth
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Grains and Cheese
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice (dry, uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (any variety)
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking and crumbling the beef until no longer pink and the onions are translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease from the pan to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and the entire packet of taco seasoning with the cooked beef and onions. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant to release the flavors of the seasoning.
- Add Liquids and Rice: Pour in the beef broth, Rotel tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, stir in the dry rice, then return to a boil.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low or low. Let the mixture simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through and absorb all the savory flavors.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the rice mixture. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has completely melted and become gooey.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally topped with your favorite taco fixings such as sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and chopped fresh cilantro for extra flavor and freshness.
Notes
- You can use any variety of shredded cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Try substituting ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot Rotel tomatoes or adding fresh jalapeños.
- For gluten-free, ensure the taco seasoning packet is certified gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
