Craving a meal that’s ready in minutes, packed with flavor, and won’t derail your healthy eating goals? Look no further than Cheesy Taco Rice! This recipe is my go-to when I need a quick and satisfying family dinner that even the pickiest eaters (ahem, my kids!) adore. It’s customizable, budget-friendly, and oh-so-delicious. Trust me, you’ll be hooked!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, taco night was a weekly event. My grandma, bless her heart, would spend hours making everything from scratch. While I cherish those memories, life’s a little faster now. Cheesy Taco Rice is my way of capturing that same comforting flavor without the all-day commitment. It’s a delicious tribute to family traditions, adapted for the modern, busy lifestyle.
Ingredients
- For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Taco Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/vegetarian substitute)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup water
- Toppings & Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- Salsa (to taste)
- Optional toppings: black olives, avocado, jalapeños
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Cook the Rice: Bring broth ,oil, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rice, stir. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff with a fork.
- Brown the Beef: While rice cooks, brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Taco Seasoning Time: Stir in taco seasoning and water into the cooked beef. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine the Magic: Stir cooked rice into the seasoned beef mixture. Mix very well.
- Cheese, Please: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the rice and beef mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Top It Off: Remove from heat and garnish with diced tomatoes, green onions, and sour cream (if using). Serve immediately with salsa and your favorite taco toppings! Enjoy your Cheesy Taco Rice!
Cheesy Taco Rice
Craving a meal that’s ready in minutes, packed with flavor, and won’t derail your healthy eating goals? Look no further than Cheesy Taco Rice! This recipe is my go-to when I need a quick and satisfying family dinner that even the pickiest eaters (ahem, my kids!) adore. It’s customizable, budget-friendly, and oh-so-delicious. Trust me, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the Rice: Bring broth, oil, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rice, stir. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff with a fork.2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup long-grain rice
- Brown the Beef: While rice cooks, brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/vegetarian substitute)
- Taco Seasoning Time: Stir in taco seasoning and water into the cooked beef. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.1 packet taco seasoning, 1/2 cup water, 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/vegetarian substitute)
- Combine the Magic: Stir cooked rice into the seasoned beef mixture. Mix very well.1 cup long-grain rice, 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/vegetarian substitute)
- Cheese, Please: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the rice and beef mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup long-grain rice, 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/vegetarian substitute)
- Top It Off: Remove from heat and garnish with diced tomatoes, green onions, and sour cream (if using). Serve immediately with salsa and your favorite taco toppings! Enjoy your Cheesy Taco Rice!1/2 cup diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup sliced green onions, 1/4 cup sour cream, to taste Salsa, black olives, avocado, jalapeños
Notes
Feel free to customize with your favorite taco toppings! Black olives, avocado, and jalapeños are great additions.