Dinner

Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe

Bymia larkspur March 17, 2026March 17, 2026

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Rice is a simple, flavorful one-pan meal that combines seasoned ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and melted cheese over tender rice. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting dish with minimal fuss.

The image shows a close-up view of a single-layer dish in a dark pan filled with cooked rice mixed with ground meat and small tomato pieces, creating a light brown and red textured base. Over this base, melted patches of yellow and white cheese spread unevenly across the surface, giving a shiny and gooey look. Some green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding small specks of color contrast. The pan’s edge is visible, framing the hearty, cheesy rice mixture. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10-ounce can Diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
1 pound Ground Beef
½ Yellow Onion (diced)
1 packet Taco Seasoning
8 ounces Tomato Sauce
2 cups Minute Rice
2 cups Beef Broth
2 cups Mexican Blend Cheese (shredded)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and no pink remains, then drain off excess grease.
Step 2: Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), taco seasoning, tomato sauce, minute rice, and beef broth. Mix until combined and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally until the rice has absorbed the broth.
Step 3: Top the mixture evenly with the shredded Mexican blend cheese. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then serve and enjoy your cheesy taco rice!

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
Add black beans or corn for added texture and nutrition.
For a spicier kick, include chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the rice mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking.

Storage

Store leftover cheesy taco rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth when reheating can help keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

The image shows a large pan filled with cooked rice mixed with ground meat and small chunks of red and green vegetables. The rice is mostly light brown with a moist texture, evenly combined with the meat and diced vegetables, creating a colorful, slightly chunky layer spread across the entire pan surface. The pan is on a stove, and the rice mixture looks well-cooked and ready to serve. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of Minute Rice?

Yes, but cooking times will differ. Use cooked rice or adjust the liquid and simmer time accordingly since regular rice takes longer to cook than Minute Rice.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen after cooking. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly.

Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 74 reviews

This Cheesy Taco Rice recipe is a flavorful one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and rice, all topped with melty Mexican blend cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it brings the zest of taco seasoning into a convenient, cheesy casserole that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

Author: mia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop and Baking
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound Ground Beef
½ Yellow Onion, diced

Liquids and Canned Goods

10-ounce Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, undrained
8 ounces Tomato Sauce
2 cups Beef Broth

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings

1 packet Taco Seasoning
2 cups Minute Rice

Dairy

2 cups Mexican Blend Cheese, shredded

Instructions

Cook the beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
Add remaining ingredients and simmer: To the skillet, add the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning packet, tomato sauce, Minute Rice, and beef broth. Stir everything together until thoroughly combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice absorbs the broth—this usually takes several minutes.
Top with cheese and bake: Once the rice has absorbed the broth and the mixture is thickened, sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet (or an oven-safe dish if necessary) to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy taco rice as a hearty and flavorful main dish perfect for any day of the week.

Notes

You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
If you prefer spicier dishes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
Minute rice cooks quickly, so keep an eye on the liquid absorption to avoid overcooking.
Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet for baking, or transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking.
This dish pairs well with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.

Keywords: cheesy taco rice, ground beef, Mexican rice casserole, taco seasoning recipes, easy weeknight dinner, one skillet meal

mia larkspur

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