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Cheesy Taco Rice

Cheesy Taco Rice

This Cheesy Taco Rice combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese in one skillet for an easy weeknight dinner. Ready in just 25 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, it delivers bold taco flavors without the fuss.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef any fat content
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 3 tablespoons homemade
  • 2 1/4 cups beef broth low-sodium preferred
  • 10 ounce can Rotel tomatoes with green chiles
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice uncooked
  • 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend

Equipment

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until beef is completely browned and onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Add Aromatics and Spices: Add minced garlic and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Build the Base: Pour in beef broth, Rotel tomatoes with juices, and tomato paste. Stir until tomato paste dissolves completely. Bring mixture to a full boil.
  4. Cook the Rice: Add uncooked rice and stir once. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly with a lid and cook undisturbed for 15 minutes.
  5. Add Cheese: Remove lid and evenly scatter shredded cheese over the surface. Replace lid and cook for 5 more minutes until cheese melts completely.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve hot with desired toppings like sour cream, cilantro, avocado, or salsa.

Notes

  • For milder flavor, use mild Rotel and Colby Jack cheese. For spicier, use hot Rotel and Pepper Jack cheese.
  • Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
  • Make sure your skillet has high sides and a tight-fitting lid to prevent boiling over and ensure even cooking.
  • Brown rice can substitute for white rice, but increase broth to 2 3/4 cups and cook for 35-40 minutes.