Description
Cheesy Taco Rice is a hearty, one-pan meal made with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, beans, corn, and melted cheese for a comforting taco-inspired dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, slightly drained
1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh)
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
2 ½ cups beef or chicken broth
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sour cream, avocado, jalapeños
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture and stir well to coat evenly.
- Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans (if using), and broth. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve warm with desired toppings such as cilantro, sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños.
Notes
For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken.
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans.
Use diced tomatoes with green chiles for added spice.
If using brown rice, increase cook time to 35–40 minutes and add extra broth if needed.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
