Description
Cheesy Taco Ground Beef and Rice is a quick, one-pan meal combining savory taco-seasoned ground beef, fluffy white rice, and melted cheese for a comforting and flavorful dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly dish is easily customizable and packed with hearty, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 tsp taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar or Mexican blend)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
- Lime wedges
Variations (Optional)
- Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
- Bell peppers, corn, or black beans for added veggies
- Alternative cheese options like pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, then drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook together for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant, building a flavorful aromatic base.
- Stir in Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture. Stir well to coat the meat evenly and let the spices toast lightly to maximize flavor.
- Add Rice and Liquid: Pour in the white rice and beef broth or water. Stir to combine and spread the rice evenly in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Top with Cheese: Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit off heat for a few minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Add your favorite toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh taco seasoning blends for the best flavor and aroma.
- Properly browning the beef adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Keep the lid on during simmering to ensure rice cooks evenly and fully.
- Shred your own cheese for better melting and creaminess rather than using pre-shredded.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving; add salt or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
- Brown rice can be used but requires longer cooking time and more liquid.
- Check taco seasoning ingredients to ensure the recipe remains gluten-free.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with seasoned black beans, lentils, or plant-based ground meat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: cheesy taco ground beef rice, quick taco skillet, one-pan taco rice, taco beef and cheese dinner, family-friendly taco rice