Name: Taco Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked); 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped lettuce; Diced tomatoes; Sliced green onions; Sour cream; Salsa; Hot sauce for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for Taco Rice—a seriously crave-worthy, one-pan Tex-Mex favorite that packs the irresistible flavors of a loaded taco bowl into the ultimate comfort food. Savory, seasoned beef mingles with tender rice and melty cheese, all crowned with fresh toppings like lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, Taco Rice is the kind of hearty, satisfying dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Taco Rice lies in its simplicity—every ingredient serves a purpose, adding bold flavor, rich texture, or a vibrant burst of color. These straightforward staples come together for one of the easiest and most delicious dinners you could ask for.

Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the onions as they cook.
Ground beef (1 pound): The protein anchor, turning every bite into a meaty, satisfying mouthful. Try lean beef or swap in ground turkey for a lighter twist.
Yellow onion, diced (1 small): Provides a hint of sweetness and depth right at the start.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Delivers a punchy, aromatic kick that infuses the whole pan.
Taco seasoning (2 tablespoons): The magic flavor blend! Use your favorite store brand or homemade mix for just the right amount of heat and spice.
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Boosts the umami and creates a perfect backdrop for all the taco flavors.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning—taste before serving in case you want a pinch more.
Long grain white rice (1 cup, uncooked): Soaks up flavor beautifully while remaining fluffy and tender.
Low-sodium chicken broth (2 cups): Infuses the rice with extra savory goodness—veggie broth works, too.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts in at the end, binding everything together in cheesy, dreamy perfection.
Chopped lettuce: For a crisp and refreshing topping that adds color and crunch.
Diced tomatoes: Offer sweet juiciness and bright, fresh flavor on top.
Sliced green onions: Lend a mild, zesty bite that wakes up the whole bowl.
Sour cream, salsa, and hot sauce (optional): Finish with creamy, tangy, and spicy pops, exactly to your taste!

How to Make Taco Rice

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and cook for about 2–3 minutes, just until it begins to soften and turn translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, letting its aroma bloom for about 30 seconds—you’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells amazing!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to your sizzling onions and garlic, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown thoroughly—you want little crispy edges for extra flavor. If there’s excess fat, drain it off for a lighter finished dish. This step is your foundation for everything that makes Taco Rice so comforting and hearty.

Step 3: Season the Meat Mixture

Sprinkle the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and salt over the browned meat, then stir well to be sure every crumbled bit is coated. The spices should bloom in the pan, and the tomato paste will deepen the savoriness. At this point, your kitchen is going to smell like a Tex-Mex paradise!

Step 4: Add Rice and Broth

Pour the uncooked rice right into the meat mixture and give it a good stir, so the grains get coated in all that flavorful goodness. Then, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up anything stuck to the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and let it simmer undisturbed for 18–20 minutes. The rice will absorb the broth and all those amazing taco flavors.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese

Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, remove the skillet from the heat. Immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot mixture and stir until everything is gooey, melty, and utterly irresistible. This cheesy finish is what takes Taco Rice from good to “I need seconds!” level.

Step 6: Top and Serve

Spoon hearty bowls of Taco Rice, then go wild with toppings! Add a generous handful of chopped lettuce, juicy tomatoes, fresh green onions, and dollops of sour cream, salsa, or a splash of hot sauce. Serve immediately—this is comfort food at its very best.

How to Serve Taco Rice

Garnishes

Don’t be shy with your toppings! Classic Taco Rice truly shines when crowned with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and scallions, but a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of salsa, or a sprinkle of extra cheese can turn your bowl into something extra special. A little fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime brings bright, zippy contrast.

Side Dishes

Taco Rice is a meal in itself, but if you want to round things out, it pairs wonderfully with sides like crunchy tortilla chips and guacamole, a black bean salad, or even sweet grilled corn. For a lighter touch, a simple citrusy slaw on the side is refreshing and helps cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving Taco Rice in taco shells or using it as a filling for burritos and quesadillas—it’s a hit for leftovers, too. For a crowd, set up a Taco Rice bar with toppings in little bowls, so everyone can build their perfect dinner. Or stuff it into bell peppers, bake, and surprise your guests with individual Taco Rice boats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply transfer any leftover Taco Rice to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and meld overnight, making the leftovers even more delicious. Keep toppings separate to ensure a fresh, vibrant finish when you’re ready to enjoy another bowl.

Freezing

Taco Rice freezes beautifully, especially the base mixture of beef, rice, and cheese. For best results, let it cool completely, spoon into freezer-safe bags or containers (skip the fresh toppings), and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding your fresh garnishes.

Reheating

Reheat Taco Rice in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if needed. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through. Add your favorite toppings right before serving for that just-made taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just be mindful that brown rice takes longer to cook and might need a bit more broth. Give it an extra 10–15 minutes simmer time, checking the texture as you go.

What can I use instead of ground beef in Taco Rice?

You have plenty of tasty options: ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or a plant-based crumble all work wonderfully. Even lentils or black beans make a protein-packed vegetarian twist!

How spicy is this recipe?

Taco Rice has bold flavor but isn’t overly spicy; most of the heat comes from the taco seasoning. If you want extra kick, stir in a pinch of cayenne or serve with hot sauce on the side so everyone can customize the heat.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe is perfect for scaling. Use a larger pot and consider adding a few extra minutes to the simmer time if you double the ingredients, ensuring the rice cooks through evenly.

What are some other fun toppings for Taco Rice?

Get creative with avocado slices, chopped jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, or even a handful of fresh corn. Pickled onions, black olives, or diced bell peppers can add new colors and flavors to your bowl.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as fun to eat as it is easy to make, you’ve found your match in Taco Rice. With its big flavors, endless topping possibilities, and weeknight-friendly prep, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Trust me—one bite and you’ll be hooked, so gather your favorite toppings and dig in!

Taco Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Taco Rice is a delicious one-pot meal that combines seasoned ground beef with rice, topped with cheese and all your favorite taco toppings. It’s a quick and easy dinner option perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ teaspoon salt

Rice and Toppings:

1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Sliced green onions
Sour cream
Salsa
Hot sauce for serving (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Saute Onion and Beef: In a skillet, saute onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic, ground beef, taco seasoning, tomato paste, and salt. Cook until beef is browned.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in rice, then pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer until rice is tender.
Melt Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve: Serve the taco rice in bowls, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, salsa, and hot sauce.