Taco Rice is a simple yet delicious dish that brings the flavors of tacos and the comfort of rice together in one pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving a meal that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare. With its combination of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, salsa, and melted cheddar cheese, Taco Rice is a hit with the whole family. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Full of Flavor: Packed with savory taco seasoning, cheese, and salsa.
Budget-Friendly: A cost-effective meal that serves 4-6 people.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or cilantro to personalize it.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best Taco Rice!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound ground beef: The base of this dish, providing protein and flavor.

1 packet taco seasoning: For that classic taco flavor that makes this dish stand out.
2 cups water: Helps to cook the rice and dissolve the seasoning.
2 cups Minute Rice, uncooked: The quick-cooking rice that ensures your meal is ready fast.

1 cup salsa: Adds a zesty kick and enhances the overall flavor.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly into the rice for extra richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the ground beef over medium heat. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook until it is fully browned. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the pan.

Step 2: Add Taco Seasoning and Water

Once the beef is cooked and drained, add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the seasoning is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to infuse into the meat.

Step 3: Add the Rice

Once the mixture is boiling, add the uncooked Minute Rice. Stir the rice into the seasoned beef mixture, making sure the rice is evenly coated. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Let the rice cook for about 5 minutes, or until it is fully tender and has absorbed the flavors of the beef and seasoning. Keep the lid on during cooking to trap the steam and help the rice cook evenly.

Step 5: Stir in Salsa and Cheese

Once the rice is cooked, remove the lid and stir in the salsa and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until the cheese has melted and the salsa is evenly distributed throughout the rice.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the Taco Rice hot! It’s a filling and flavorful meal on its own, but you can also add your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or chopped green onions to enhance the dish.

Taco Rice

Tips for the Best Taco Rice

Use Lean Ground Beef: To keep the dish lighter, use lean ground beef. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein.
Spice It Up: If you like extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce, jalapeños, or spicy salsa.

Add More Vegetables: For an extra nutritional boost, consider adding diced bell peppers, onions, or corn when cooking the beef.
Make It Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with black beans or a mix of beans for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can use Mexican blend cheese, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for added flavor.

Variations to Try

Taco Rice Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the taco rice in a bowl with a variety of toppings, such as guacamole, sour cream, diced tomatoes, or shredded lettuce.
Taco Rice Casserole: For a heartier meal, transfer the cooked taco rice into a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Taco Rice with Beans: Add black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans to the beef and rice mixture for added protein and fiber.

Sautéed Veggies: For more veggies in the mix, sauté some onions, bell peppers, or zucchini and add them to the beef mixture before adding the rice.

Meal Prep and Leftovers

This Taco Rice is not only delicious, but it’s also a great make-ahead meal. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the Taco Rice in the microwave or on the stove. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of water or broth and stir well.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 350-400 (depending on toppings and portion size)

Protein: 20-25g
Carbohydrates: 30-35g
Fat: 15g

Fiber: 3-4g

Note: Nutritional information is based on the use of ground beef and traditional toppings. Values may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular rice instead of Minute Rice?

Yes, you can substitute regular rice for Minute Rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount. Typically, 1 cup of regular rice requires 2 cups of water and about 15 minutes to cook, so follow the package instructions for best results.

Can I freeze Taco Rice?

Yes, Taco Rice freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little extra liquid if needed.

Can I make Taco Rice without ground beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based protein. For a vegetarian option, you could use beans or lentils.

How can I make Taco Rice spicier?

To make Taco Rice spicier, use spicy salsa, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning, or stir in diced jalapeños or hot sauce.

Final Thoughts

Taco Rice is one of those dishes that’s quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable. With a rich blend of savory beef, taco seasoning, melted cheese, and tangy salsa, it’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone around the table. Whether served as a main course, a side dish, or even turned into a casserole, Taco Rice is a go-to meal that will become a favorite in your home.

The Best Taco Rice: A Flavorful and Easy Meal

Author: Diana Carrozza

Print Recipe

Description

This flavorful Taco Rice is the perfect side dish or quick main course! Ground beef is seasoned with taco seasoning and combined with fluffy Minute Rice, salsa, and melted cheddar cheese for a deliciously hearty meal. It’s an easy, one-pan wonder that’s sure to be a hit at any dinner table!

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
2 cups water
2 cups Minute Rice, uncooked
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

In a large skillet, cook and crumble ground beef until browned. Drain any grease.
Add taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a boil.
Lower the heat, then add uncooked Minute Rice. Stir to combine.
Cover the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, or until the rice is fully tender.
Remove the lid and mix in salsa and cheddar cheese until thoroughly blended.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings: 4-6

Notes

Rice Variations: You can use regular long-grain rice instead of Minute Rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time and water ratio.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the rice for a spicier version.
Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even black beans for a lighter or vegetarian option.

Topping Ideas: Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.