I’m a big fan of easy weeknight meals requiring little time to assemble and taste amazing. As a teacher, my few evenings are precious, and I want to spend them with my family rather than in the kitchen.
This cheesy taco rice recipe is a family favorite and a great way to switch up taco night. You only need one skillet to make this delicious dinner. It’s simple and quick, and the whole family will love it.
Preparing this dish is easy and ensures the kids are ready for bed on time. This cheesy taco rice skillet is not just a recipe but a lifesaver for busy evenings.
What is One Pot Cheesy Taco Rice
One Pot Cheesy Taco Rice: A quick and easy meal, combining seasoned ground beef, rice, and melty cheese in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful dish delivers the taste of tacos with minimal cleanup.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You’ll love this one-pot recipe. It’s all about the simple cooking process and minimal cleanup. Imagine a super-filling and incredibly delicious dish bursting with those great taco flavors. It’s a great way to enjoy a fun and easy meal. You can have this delightful dish ready in just a few minutes.
The beauty of it lies in how you can effortlessly put together everything in one pot. This means not only saving time but also ensuring minimal cleanup afterward. Every bite of this one-pot wonder will make you appreciate the simplicity and efficiency of this recipe.
Enjoy the flavors of a taco in a new, delightful form that is both convenient and satisfying.
Ingredients Needed
To make One Pot Cheesy Taco Rice, you need some essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
First, start with Olive Oil. I always prefer extra-virgin olive oil because it has a light and pleasant taste. This recipe often calls for it, as regular olive oil can have a heavy taste that my family doesn’t usually like.
Next, you’ll need 1 Pound of Ground Beef. You can choose the percentage of fat you prefer. Very lean beef, like 94/6, or something like 93/7 or 90/10, are all great options. Since you’ll be draining the excess grease from the skillet pan anyway, it doesn’t matter which you choose.
You can use any type of onion you like—yellow, white, sweet, or even red. I normally use yellow onion because it has a mild flavor.
When it comes to garlic cloves, fresh is best. You can mince, press, chop garlic from a jar, or use paste.
Remember the Taco Seasoning Packet. This is what gives the dish its signature flavor.
For the beef broth, I prefer the regular, full-salted kind, as it adds the necessary salt to flavor the dish. If you use reduced sodium, you should add more salt at the end of the cooking time. You can also substitute it with chicken broth if you want.
A can of Rotel is essential. These diced tomatoes with green chilies add a bit of spice. I use the mild version, but you can use medium or spicy heat.
You’ll also need some tomato paste.
For the long grain white rice, don’t cook it beforehand. Just dump the dry, uncooked rice into the skillet. It will cook with everything else, making it super easy.
Lastly, it would help if you had shredded cheese. Any variety you prefer will work. I like to use Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or Cheddar cheese (mild, medium, or sharp). You can also use Monterey Jack or a blend of Mexican cheeses from a bag.
INGREDIENTS
1.5 lbs Ground beef or any ground meat you like
(2) 1 oz Packet of Taco Seasoning
10 oz Can of Rotel
2 Cups Instant Rice
2 Cups Sodium Beef Broth
1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
1 Cup Pepper Jack Cheese, Grated
Instructions
Start by browning ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasonings and onion. Cook until the meat is cooked and the onions are softened. Drain any grease from the skillet.
Next, add Rotel, tomato sauce, minced garlic, beef broth, and uncooked rice. Stir well. Cover with a lid and cook on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt. You can also put it in the oven on broil for a few minutes.
Serve with fresh pico de gallo and tortilla chips. For the pico, chop tomatoes, onions, and jalapeno. Add to a bowl, stir, and squeeze in lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready.
Enjoy your Cheesy Taco Rice!
How To Make One Pot Cheesy Taco Rice
In a large skillet pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion. Cook and crumble the meat until no longer pink and the onions are translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Add garlic and taco seasoning packet. Stir everything together and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in beef broth, Rotel, and tomato paste. Combine and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, add the rice. Bring the mixture back to a boil. Cover the skillet pan with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 15 minutes.
Even sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cook for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Serve with your favorite taco toppings: sour cream, guacamole, pico de Gallo, and chopped fresh cilantro.
Helpful Tips
For the best results with this recipe, it’s crucial to rinse your rice before adding it to the skillet. This step ensures your rice cooks evenly and has a great texture.
Adjusting the spice level is one way to personalize your One-Pot Cheesy Taco Rice. If you prefer a milder dish, try lowering the amount of cayenne. For those who like spicy food, consider increasing the cayenne to match your desired heat.
Using freshly shredded cheddar cheese is a game-changer for this recipe. A block of cheese works best as it melts more smoothly compared to pre-shredded varieties. However, pre-shredded cheese can be used if you’re in a hurry.
When it comes to toppings, making pico de gallo ahead of time is a fantastic tip. This allows the flavors to blend together nicely, creating a better flavor that enhances the overall dish.
These helpful tips will make your One Pot Cheesy Taco Rice a hit every time.
If You Love This Recipe Try More
Enchirito- Taco Bell Copycat Recipe
Taco Boats: A Delicious Tex-Mex Delight
Weeknight Shredded Beef Tacos in 30 Minutes
How Do I Serve Cheesy Taco Rice?
When it comes to serving Cheesy Taco Rice, there are many ways to make this one-pan meal a hit at your dinner table. Imagine a skillet topped with all your family’s favorite toppings.
You can garnish the entire pan or set out bowls with different topping options so everyone can make their perfect plate. Some great ideas include tortilla chips, shredded lettuce, sliced green onion, picante sauce, salsa, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, avocado slices or chunks, pico de Gallo, and diced tomatoes.
This method brings out the best flavors and makes the meal fun and interactive for all.
Conclusion
In conclusion, One Pot Cheesy Taco Rice is a perfect dish for busy weeknights, offering a quick, easy, and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. With minimal preparation and cleanup, this recipe allows you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
The simple ingredients and straightforward cooking process make it a go-to option for anyone looking to switch up their taco night with a flavorful and satisfying alternative. Whether topped with your favorite garnishes or served as-is, this cheesy taco rice skillet is sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy the convenience and taste of this delightful dish!
