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Cheesy Taco Ground Beef and Rice

Cheesy Taco Ground Beef and Rice
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A quick and easy one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese with Mexican-inspired spices. Perfect for family-friendly weeknight dinners, this dish offers comforting creamy textures and vibrant flavors in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup long grain white or brown rice
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (blend of cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. This builds the aromatic foundation essential for the dish’s rich flavor.
  2. Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish light and allow spices to shine.
  3. Mix in taco seasoning and tomatoes: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to coat the beef evenly. Incorporate the diced tomatoes with green chilies, allowing the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.
  4. Add rice and broth: Stir in the rice, then pour in the chicken broth or water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently until the rice is cooked through and fluffy — usually 15-20 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle with cheese and melt: Once the rice has absorbed the liquid, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the beef and rice mixture. Cover the pan briefly to allow the cheese to melt into gooey perfection, creating that signature cheesy topping.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Give the dish a gentle stir to combine the melted cheese with the savory beef and rice beneath. Serve hot for a comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Choose quality cheese: opt for freshly shredded cheese over pre-shredded for creamier melt and better flavor.
  • Do not skip the simmer: allowing the rice to cook slowly with broth ensures perfect texture without dryness.
  • Season progressively: taste and adjust seasoning at each step to balance spices to your liking.
  • Use a tight lid: traps steam to cook the rice evenly, preventing it from drying out.
  • Let it rest: after cooking, rest the dish 5 minutes off the heat to let flavors meld and cheese set beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy taco ground beef, taco rice skillet, one-pan taco dinner, cheesy beef and rice, Mexican-inspired weeknight meal

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/cheesy-taco-ground-beef-and-rice/