Simple Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a one-pan, soul-satisfying dinner that’s big on flavor and low on fuss, you’ll fall in love with Simple Cheesy Taco Rice. This dish is cheesy, hearty, and vibrantly seasoned, combining tender rice, zesty taco spices, juicy ground beef, and melty cheese, all in a simple weeknight package. It’s the perfect answer for anyone who wants a fiesta at their dinner table without the takeout prices or piles of dirty dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Simple Cheesy Taco Rice is that each ingredient plays a starring role, adding color, richness, or that irresistible Tex-Mex kick. Gather these essentials, and you’ll have every layer of flavor and texture you need to pull this crowd-pleaser together in no time.

• Shredded Cheese: Use your favorite type, whether it’s sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend—they all melt into irresistible gooeyness on top.
• Long-Grain White Rice: This classic rice ensures tender, fluffy grains that soak up the savory broth and spices perfectly.
• Tomato Paste: Just a touch boosts umami and gives the rice a lovely depth of tomato flavor.
• Rotel (10 oz can): A can brings both diced tomatoes and green chilies, so you get a zippy, juicy twist with minimal effort.
• Beef Broth: Cooking the rice in broth amps up the flavor so it’s never bland or boring.
• Taco Seasoning Mix: The spice blend does all the heavy lifting, infusing every bite with bold, familiar taco flavors.
• Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic takes the savoriness up a notch and makes the kitchen smell amazing.
• Small Yellow Onion: Diced onions turn sweet and tender as they cook alongside the beef, adding a mellow base to the dish.
• Ground Beef: The classic for taco night—rich, juicy, and the ultimate protein for soaking up those spices.
• Olive Oil: Just a splash gets everything sizzling in the skillet and helps brown the beef beautifully.

How to Make Simple Cheesy Taco Rice

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Start by heating the olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onions, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Let them sizzle, stir, and mingle until the beef is browned all over and the onion pieces turn translucent—this will take about 8 to 10 minutes. If there’s excess grease in the pan when you’re done, go ahead and carefully drain it away to keep your Simple Cheesy Taco Rice from getting heavy.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Taco Seasoning

Once your beef and onions are perfectly cooked, sprinkle in the minced garlic along with the entire packet of taco seasoning mix. Stir well and sauté for about 30 seconds—just enough to let the spices wake up and the garlic get fragrant. The aroma will have everyone wandering into the kitchen, impatient for dinner!

Step 3: Bring in the Broth, Rotel, and Tomato Paste

Next, pour the beef broth into your skillet, then add the can of Rotel (don’t drain it!) and spoon in the tomato paste. Give everything a good stir so the tomato paste dissolves and you have a bright, seasoned sauce bubbling away. Let it all come to a boil, which kicks the flavors into high gear.

Step 4: Mix in the Rice

Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, making sure it’s evenly distributed through the saucy mixture. Wait for it to boil again briefly, then you’re ready for the next step. This is when the rice will start soaking up every bit of flavor from the broth and spices for extra-savory grains later.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Pop a lid on your skillet and lower the heat to medium-low or low, creating a gentle simmer. Let it bubble quietly for 15 minutes—no peeking! The steam will cook the rice until it’s tender and full of taco goodness. If you like, you can give it a quick stir halfway through to keep things even.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Finale

After those 15 minutes, uncover and sprinkle the shredded cheese generously across the top. Cover again and let it melt for 5 more minutes, or until every bit of cheese is oozy and luscious. The steam will help the cheese blanket the entire surface in creamy, melty magic.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop generous portions right out of the skillet and top with your choices—fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a spoonful of pico de gallo or guacamole. The best part about Simple Cheesy Taco Rice is how everyone can customize their bowl!

How to Serve Simple Cheesy Taco Rice

Garnishes

You can make each serving of Simple Cheesy Taco Rice sing with a few well-chosen garnishes. Chopped cilantro, diced green onions, or a smoky sprinkle of paprika add fresh color and a flavor boost. Try creamy extras like sour cream, or a zingy spoonful of salsa for extra tang. Avocado slices or a quick homemade guacamole balance the boldness with cool richness, making every bite pop.

Side Dishes

Pairing Simple Cheesy Taco Rice with set-the-table sides makes it a true feast! I love to spoon it alongside sweet corn on the cob, grilled bell peppers, or a fresh tomato and cucumber salad. Warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips are always crowd-pleasers for scooping up any last bits. Even a simple side of refried beans works beautifully for that comforting, all-in-one meal feeling.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish is made for fun, so put your own spin on it! Try piling Simple Cheesy Taco Rice into taco shells or burrito wraps for a portable lunch, or stuff it inside bell peppers and bake for a clever twist on stuffed peppers. Another favorite: serve it family-style on a platter with all your toppings lined up, so everyone can build their own perfect bowl. Taco night just got a glamorous upgrade!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let Simple Cheesy Taco Rice cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to four days—perfect for grab-and-go lunches or stress-free dinners the next night. Just keep any garnishes separate so they stay fresh.

Freezing

Simple Cheesy Taco Rice is freezer-friendly, which means you can double the batch and freeze some for busy days. Portion cooled rice into freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and stash away for up to two months. For best results, add extra cheese fresh when you reheat, and skip freezing toppings like sour cream or guacamole (add those right before serving).

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a splash of water or broth over the rice before microwaving, which helps restore that original creaminess. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot throughout. On the stove, use a covered skillet on low heat and stir occasionally for even warming. Add a bit more shredded cheese on top at the end for a gooey touch-up!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Simple Cheesy Taco Rice tastes fantastic with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter protein. Just follow the same directions for browning and seasoning. You might want to use a little extra olive oil with leaner meats to prevent sticking and add extra richness.

Is there a way to make this vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the beef for canned black beans or pinto beans (drained and rinsed), and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll end up with a hearty, protein-packed vegetarian version of Simple Cheesy Taco Rice, with all the bold flavors and cheesy goodness.

Do I have to use Rotel, or is there a substitute?

If Rotel isn’t available, just use a can of diced tomatoes and add some chopped green chilies or jalapeños for the right level of heat and brightness. The overall texture and kick of Simple Cheesy Taco Rice will be just as tasty!

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can, but keep in mind that brown rice takes more time and a bit more liquid to cook through. Adjust the simmering time and add extra broth as needed. The delicious payoff is a slightly nuttier, chewier version of your favorite Simple Cheesy Taco Rice.

Will this recipe work with pre-cooked rice?

If you have cooked rice on hand, you can stir it in after the sauce ingredients have simmered together. Just reduce the broth a bit (since the rice won’t absorb as much liquid), warm everything through, and let the cheese melt on top. It’s a great way to use up leftovers while still enjoying all the flavor Simple Cheesy Taco Rice has to offer!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try Simple Cheesy Taco Rice and make it your own. This is one of those easy comfort meals you’ll come back to over and over, because it’s wildly flavorful, endlessly customizable, and always a winner at the table. Give it a spin on your next busy weeknight—you might just discover your new family favorite!

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