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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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