Cheesy Taco Rice Delight

In my quest for comfort food, I discovered a dish that combines savory flavors and a cheesy finish: cheesy taco rice delight. This dish is not only simple to make but also brings people together around the dinner table. With just one skillet and about 30 minutes of cooking, you can whip up a satisfying meal that feels indulgent without the fuss.

What makes this dish special is its delightful blend of hearty ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in. Each bite is packed with flavor, making it a go-to for taco night enthusiasts and comfort food lovers alike.

Why you’ll love cheesy taco rice delight

• Quick and easy one-skillet meal.
• Packed with robust flavors everyone enjoys.
• Budget-friendly with affordable ingredients.
• Minimal dishes to clean up afterward.
• Family-friendly recipe that satisfies young and old.

What ingredients do I need for cheesy taco rice delight?

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 1/4 cups beef broth
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (dry, uncooked)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (any variety)

Ingredient notes & swaps: You can replace ground beef with turkey or a meat substitute for a leaner dish. Rotel can be adjusted based on your heat preference, and different types of cheese will offer unique flavors.

How do I make cheesy taco rice delight step-by-step?

You can create this satisfying cheesy taco rice delight in just a few steps. Start by cooking ground beef and onions, then incorporate delicious seasonings and Broth to create a flavorful base. Finally, add rice, cover, and let it cook until tender, finishing with a sprinkle of cheese on top.

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, ground beef, and onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
2. Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning, and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add the beef broth, Rotel, and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Stir in the rice, bring back to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low to cook for 15 minutes.
5. Sprinkle cheese evenly on top, cook for another 5 minutes until melted.
6. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.

Pro Tip: Use a mix of cheeses for even more flavor complexity. Monterey Jack or pepper jack adds great creaminess and spice.

Visual doneness cues: Look for the cheese bubbling and slightly browned, and the rice should absorb all the liquid.

How should I serve it?

Serve cheesy taco rice delight straight from the skillet for a casual meal. Top it off with traditional taco toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocados, or a squeeze of lime for added brightness. It pairs excellently with tortilla chips or a fresh side salad.

Can I make it ahead? How do I store and reheat it?

You can make cheesy taco rice delight ahead of time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it appears dry.

How do I fix common issues?

If your dish turns out dry, it may need more liquid during the cooking process. For bland flavor, consider adjusting the seasoning or adding more spices. To fix overcooked rice, gently fluff the dish with a fork and stir in a little extra broth to moisten.

What variations can I try?

Switch things up by adding black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor. You can also incorporate diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a spicier kick. Experimenting with different cheeses, such as queso fresco or cheddar, can create new flavor profiles.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook. Increase the broth and allow for additional simmering time.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to three months.

What toppings pair well with this dish?
Sour cream, diced avocados, freshly chopped cilantro, and pico de gallo elevate the flavors and add freshness to every bite.

Cheesy Taco Rice Delight

A comforting, one-skillet meal packed with savory flavors from ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners and family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef Can be substituted with turkey or a meat substitute.
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2.25 cups beef broth
• 1 can Rotel (10 oz) Adjust based on heat preference.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice (dry, uncooked) Can substitute with brown rice (adjust cooking time and liquid).
• 2 cups shredded cheese (any variety) Mix of cheeses recommended for flavor complexity.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, ground beef, and onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
2. Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning, and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add the beef broth, Rotel, and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Stir in the rice, bring back to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low to cook for 15 minutes.
5. Sprinkle cheese evenly on top, cook for another 5 minutes until melted.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with traditional taco toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocados, or a squeeze of lime. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.